The Italian government implemented on Tuesday a new safety protocol aimed at intensifying the fight against the so-called eco-Mafia, the local organized criminality that harms the environment through illegal waste disposal and illegal building.

Interior Minister Roberto Maroni, Justice Minister Angelino Alfano and Environment Minister Stefania Prestigiacomo held an extraordinary meeting near Naples during which they launched a special police task force and coordination cabin to crackdown on the crime.

The recent waste crisis in Naples has brought to light what a serious danger the eco-Mafia poses to the environment and to food safety with regard to excessive dioxin levels. Last week several suspects were arrested for illegal garbage trafficking across the southern region.

"The protocol stands as an important step forward in combating all environmental crimes which are among the most serious, capable of triggering elevated social alarmism," said the ministers in a joint statement.

"This new plan will enable a greater coordination of the various investigative units, a more rapid information exchange between the interior ministry and the anti-Mafia commission, while at the same time support the judges' hard work," they said.

According to a recent report by leading environmental association Legambiente, the average yearly profit of Italy's eco- Mafia amounts to nearly 23 billion euros.