Colombian authorities apprehended drug trafficker Federico Starnone, a known associate of the 'Ndrangheta criminal organization.
In a significant operation, Federico Starnone, a high-ranking member of the Italian 'Ndrangheta mafia, was arrested in Cali, Colombia. The operation, coordinated by Reggio Calabria Prosecutor Giuseppe Borrelli, targeted the 'Ndrangheta's extensive drug smuggling networks [1][3][5].
Starnone, a 46-year-old Italian man, was wanted by Interpol and had an arrest warrant issued by a judge in Reggio Calabria, Italy, in June. He had been a fugitive, but his frequent movements to evade detection were unsuccessful. Starnone was finally tracked down on Friday [1][3][5].
The Colombian National Police intelligence agents apprehended Starnone in an apartment in an upscale neighborhood of Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca. Special forces also assisted in the arrest. The investigation revealed that Starnone had acted as an intermediary and point of contact between the 'Ndrangheta group in Platì and Colombian and Ecuadorian drug traffickers [1][3].
Starnone is accused of criminal association aimed at international drug trafficking. The accusations against him include two separate attempts to import large quantities of cocaine from South America. His role was that of a leading exponent within the 'Ndrangheta, deeply involved in drug trafficking and maintaining international connections, particularly between Europe and South America [1][3][5].
The 'Ndrangheta, based in Calabria, Italy, is recognized among the most powerful mafia organizations worldwide. It has strong operational connections in South America, specializing in ensuring steady cocaine supplies to Europe. Starnone’s arrest is considered "a decisive blow against international drug trafficking" by Colombian Police officials, showing the significance of his role within the mafia’s drug trafficking network [1].
The operation resulted in over 20 precautionary measures against individuals suspected of belonging to criminal organizations involved in the illegal drug trade. Two of these individuals have international connections [1]. The arrest of Federico Starnone is connected to a major operation by the Reggio Calabria Mobile Squad and the Central Operational Service of the Italian Police [1][3].
It is worth noting that Starnone had already been sentenced to 5 and a half years in prison for drug-related offenses before his latest arrest [2]. The 'Ndrangheta's extensive drug smuggling operations continue to be a significant concern for authorities worldwide, and the arrest of Starnone is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between international law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2022, October 15). Italian mafia member arrested in Colombia over drugs. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-63179280
[2] ANSA. (2022, October 15). 'Ndrangheta: arrestato in Colombia il boss Federico Starnone. Retrieved from https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/mondo/2022/10/15/ndrangheta-arrestato-in-colombia-il-boss-federico-starnone_5694458.html
[3] La Repubblica. (2022, October 15). Arrestato in Colombia boss 'ndrangheta Federico Starnone. Retrieved from https://www.repubblica.it/esteri/2022/10/15/news/arrestato_in_colombia_boss_ndrangheta_federico_starnone-268241148/
[4] El Tiempo. (2022, October 15). Capturado en Colombia el jefe de la 'ndrangheta Federico Starnone. Retrieved from https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/judicial/capurado-en-colombia-el-jefe-de-la-ndrangheta-federico-starnone-108431
[5] Reuters. (2022, October 15). Italian 'Ndrangheta boss arrested in Colombia on drug trafficking charges. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/italian-ndrangheta-boss-arrested-colombia-drug-trafficking-charges-2022-10-15/
The arrest of Federico Starnone, a high-ranking member of the 'Ndrangheta, in Cali, Colombia, signifies a general-news event that's a decisive blow against international drug trafficking, given his role as a leading exponent within the mafia's drug trafficking network. According to average estimates, Starnone's arrest is connected to over 20 precautionary measures against individuals suspected of belonging to criminal organizations involved in the illegal drug trade, with at least two of these individuals having international connections.
