Suspicious box cleared at Rizzuto funeral

MONTREAL – A suspicious package left at the church where the funeral for the slain Nicolo Rizzuto is to be held Monday was cleared by Montreal police Monday morning.

Shortly before 10 a.m. a security perimetre erected around the entrance to the church was removed and mourners were being allowed to proceed.

There was no information immediately available about what, if anything, was inside the box.

Police cleared the area near the front of Notre Dame de la Defense church on Dante St. about 8:30 a.m. and were investigating the shoe box-sized package which has masking tape on it.

Reporters and photographers noticed the box when they arrived early Monday to cover the Rizzuto funeral.

The late 86-year-old reputed mafia boss was shot to death through a window of his home in Cartierville last Wednesday.

Rizzuto’s funeral is set for 11 a.m.