The Italian media have described the heist as a paramilitary-style operation that brought something of the Wild West to the autostrada.

BBC: Italy robbers in motorway ambush on security vans

Martin Mogg, the governor of the prison, says that the new measures can only work with the co-operation of the paramilitary prisoners.

ECONOMIST: Ulster

It is thought that some of the profits from the operation were being used to fund paramilitary groups in Colombia.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Major drugs haul in Italian port