The law is aimed at divesting the Italian mafia of its illegally-acquired wealth. Prior to the enactment of the law, vast illegal profits were being made in southern Italy in the sale of illicit drugs and mafia-controlled firms and businesses were increasing. In areas of western Sicily the income derived from illegal activities was estimated to be 15 to 20 percent of total gross income. An assessment of the effectiveness of the law in the four provinces of Calabria, Campania, Lombardy, and Sicily was conducted. During the 21 months following the enactment of the new law, property suspected of being from criminal activity was seized on 352 occasions, and illegally acquired property was confiscated on 108 occasions. While the new law is expected to force the mafia from illegal to legal activity, it will take a long time to reduce the mafia's influence and power. 8 references. (Author abstract modified)