Part 8/10:
The Evolution of the Mafia: The Shift Towards Drug Trafficking
With increased connections to the American Mafia, the Sicilian Mafia began tapping into the lucrative drug trade, driven by the demand for heroin during the post-war upheaval. The newfound alliance between American and Sicilian criminal organizations allowed for the seamless operation of drug trafficking networks.
As Sicilian organized crime adapted to the changing landscape, it faced new challenges. The introduction of fierce competition among mafia families, both in Sicily and the U.S., led to violent confrontations, known as the First Mafia War, which resulted in widespread chaos.