ROME - Italian police said Thursday they had smashed a gang of criminal baggage handlers operating at Milan's Malpensa airport and were investigating almost 100 suspects.
Among the goods stolen were television sets, video cameras, mobile phones, DVDs, sunglasses, bags and perfume. Police arrested 10 people and are investigating another 82.
Some of those involved are believed to have been trafficking marijuana and cocaine, often used at work by the handlers, police said. A kilo and half (3.3 pounds) of cocaine was found at the home of one suspect.
About 350 police took part in the operation, launched in 2003 under the codename "Magpie".
Cameras were installed in one baggage area after complaints from freighting companies.
In the last 18 months 400 staff have been detained at Milan's two airports in cases linked to baggage theft.
05/12/2005 18:13 GMT