Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Queens Pizzeria Owners Indicted For Smuggling Cocaine In Cassava Boxes
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published May 7, 2015
Modified May 7, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published May 7, 2015
Modified May 7, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Two Queens pizzeria owners have been charged with running a major cocaine trafficking ring that has ties to Italian mob families, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.
Spouses Gregorio and Eleonora Gigliotti, owners of now-closed Cucino a Modo Mio in Corona, are accused of smuggling cocaine into Italy, after investigators intercepted about 40 kilos of the drug in cardboard boxes of cassava, a root vegetable, imported from Costa Rica in October. Officials say another box of cassava containing 15 kilos of cocaine was intercepted in December. The Gigliottis and their son, Antonio, were arrested in March, but at least 13 people believed to be connected with the 'ndrangheta criminal organization were arrested in Calabria, Italy this morning.
The Gigliottis, who are also Calabrian, have been charged with conspiring to import and importing over 50 kilos of cocaine from Costa Rica, as well as for illegally possessing firearms—a raid on their restaurant allegedly yielded a number of weapons, including a loaded .22 caliber Colt pistol, a loaded .38 caliber Charter Arms revolver, brass knuckles, and a 12 gauge shotgun.
It is believed the Gigliottis intended to ship the cocaine to Italy. Another family member, Calabrian resident Franco Fazio, has also been charged in New York in connection with the ring.
Tagged
calabria
cocaine
corona
cucino a modo mio
gigliotti
italy
mob
pizza
Rebecca Fishbein
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
A sixth person dies after falling ill in NYPD custody this year
The 54-year-old was hospitalized twice after his arrest Friday, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 4, 2026 at 4:44 p.m. ET
NJ reports first West Nile Virus death of the year
While the national West Nile Virus trend has slowed down, activity in the Garden State has picked up.
By
Michael Sol Warren
News
NJ reports first West Nile Virus death of the year
While the national West Nile Virus trend has slowed down, activity in the Garden State has picked up.
By
Michael Sol Warren
NY's prison system is in crisis. It's driving staff away from the job.
By
Emily Russell
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
By
Ben Feuerherd
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
By
Jill Webb
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .