...Cosa Nostra's hub of the wheel.

https://thenewyorkmafia.com/the-commission/

The Alpha and the Omega of the Italian underworld.

Very good article, NYM.
I thought that drug trafficking was given the OK at the Appalachin meeting, per Genove's request.

Thank you, TB. Glad you enjoyed it.

I think it lays the groundwork and foundation for everything that we read about the "Brotherhood" and puts it in better context and perspective.

Your comment made me think about Tom Hagen saying ‘if we miss out on the action we risk everything in 10 years time’

But beside money, who would it help? More politicians can be ‘greased’ by illegal gambling or even loansharking, than drugs, despite how much money you throw at a politician.

Then again in Scotland and Holland they have somewhat legalised it with facilities drug users can get high at. But like they did with the illegal gambling they will normalise drugs and take over for each government sake.

But still during current times, anyone selling heroin or cocaine can easily be sentenced to a minimum of 20 year and receive a whacking by the Mob.

Narcotics has always been the biggest earn. But the draconian penalties coupled with the low-brow of trash you deal with in that trade turned most of the smarter guys off it.

Some others dealt ultra carefully and successfully. Made their money and got out safely, reinvesting those profits into legit businesses and more genteel rackets like gambling and shylocking.

But, unfortunately for them, many delved in head first, making it their life's "profession." Invariably, 99% of those who did, ended up behind the eight-ball, one way or another.

For the intentional trade and production of hard drugs in Holland, the maximum prison sentence increased this year from 8 to 12 years, for the import and export of hard drugs from 12 to 16 years and for committing preparatory acts for hard drug offences from 6 to 8 years.

As I'm sure you are aware, compared to the penalties traffickers face in the U.S. for those convicted of narcotics, Holland's prison sentences are mild. Especially for repeat offenders.

10, 20, 30 years sentences, and longer, are regularly handed out. Repeat offenders and top traffickers often get slammed with life sentences (with no chance of parole)
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Thats why The Commission "officially" shut the lid on dealing narcotics in the late 1950s (although many guys just paid lip service to that 'rule')

A point-for-point map of the Commission's "TRUE" purpose and function.

I guess there is no commission anymore?

Not in the same way as before, but there is a higher authority (a Commission) that still keeps the NY families (and I'd imagine, whoever else is active) in check.

It is believed that 1957 was around the time that the Commission banned members from engaging in the trade. Although there were still some who just paid lip service to that "rule."

And as you're probably aware, boss Vito Genovese did actually get indicted around that same time for heading up a massive narcotics conspiracy, and went to trial months later, or a year or so later, in 58' or 59'.

But if I remember correctly, I think the charges -- overt criminal acts and conduct -- allegedly occurred previous to 57'.