Italian police have carried out a major operation against Sicily's Cosa Nostra, leading to the apprehension of over 180 individuals suspected of engaging in organized crime.

In this operation, which involved 1,200 officers, mafia clans across multiple districts of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, were targeted.

The detainees are facing various charges, including mafia association, attempted murder, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Crucial to this crackdown were wiretap surveillance efforts that uncovered conversations among seasoned mafia leaders, who expressed worries about the caliber of new recruits.

In these intercepted talks, the bosses lamented the decreasing standards and commitment of younger members.

Reportedly, some leaders encouraged recruits to watch classic mafia movies, like 'The Godfather,' to grasp traditional mob values and operations.

Despite past setbacks, the Cosa Nostra has been making efforts to restore its influence.

Investigations have uncovered initiatives to re-establish the mafia's governing council and strengthen connections with other criminal groups, including the 'Ndrangheta, in an attempt to reclaim a presence in the global drug trade.

Authorities have observed that, although the mafia continues to pose a threat, ongoing law enforcement endeavors have significantly disrupted its operations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the operation, calling it a major setback for organized crime.

Palermo's mayor, Roberto Lagalla, also lauded the arrests, characterizing them as a historic blow to the mafia.

This operation highlights the persistent challenges Italian authorities encounter in combating organized crime and the evolving tactics employed to infiltrate and dismantle these criminal networks.