Alleged leader of Italian mafia arrested in Colombia, accused of overseeing cocaine shipments
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Colombian Authorities Arrest Alleged Leader of Italian Mafia in Latin America
Colombian authorities say they captured an alleged leader of the Italian ‘Ndrangheta mafia. Giuseppe Palermo is accused of overseeing cocaine shipments and managing illegal trafficking routes to Europe. The ‘ndrangheta, one of Italy’s most powerful and secretive criminal organizations, is widely accused of importing cocaine into Europe.Illegal cocaine production reached 3,708 tons in 2023, an increase of nearly 34% from the previous year.
Police identified the suspect as Giuseppe Palermo, also known as “Peppe,” an Italian who was wanted under an Interpol red notice, which called for his arrest in 196 countries.
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He was apprehended on the street in Colombia’s capital Bogota during a coordinated operation between Colombian, Italian and British authorities, as well as Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, according to an official report.
Palermo is believed to be part of “one of the most tightly knit cells” of the ‘ndrangheta mafia, said Carlos Fernando Triana, head of the Colombian police, in a message posted on X.
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The ‘ndrangheta, one of Italy’s most powerful and secretive criminal organizations, has extended its influence abroad and is widely accused of importing cocaine into Europe.
The suspect “not only led the purchase of large shipments of cocaine in Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, but also controlled the maritime and land routes used to transport the drugs to European markets,” Triana added.
Illegal cocaine production reached 3,708 tons in 2023, an increase of nearly 34% from the previous year, driven mainly by the expansion of coca leaf cultivation in Colombia, according to the United Nations. (AP)
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Colombia arrests alleged leader of Italian mafia in Latin America
The man was wanted under an Interpol red notice. He is believed to be part of ‘Nangheta, one of the world’s most powerful criminal groups. The global illicit drug trade, including cocaine, is worth more than $500bn a year, according to the U.S. State Department. He was arrested in Bogota, Colombia, during a joint operation by police and Europol.
Colombian authorities have captured an alleged leader of the Italian ‘Ndrangheta mafia in Latin America who is accused of overseeing cocaine shipments and running illegal trafficking routes to Europe.
Police on Friday identified the suspect as Giuseppe Palermo, also known as “Peppe”, an Italian national who was wanted under an Interpol red notice, which called for his arrest in 196 countries.
He was nabbed on the street in Colombia’s capital Bogota during a coordinated operation between Colombian, Italian and British authorities, as well as Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, according to an official report.
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Palermo is believed to be part of “one of the most tightly knit cells” of the ‘Ndrangheta mafia, said Carlos Fernando Triana, head of the Colombian police.
The ‘Ndrangheta, one of Italy’s most powerful, ruthless and clandestine criminal organisations, has increasingly wielded its influence overseas and is widely accused of importing cocaine into Europe.
The suspect “not only led the purchase of large shipments of cocaine in Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, but also controlled the maritime and land routes used to transport the drugs to European markets”, Triana added.
Illegal cocaine production reached 3,708 tonnes in 2023, an increase of nearly 34% from the previous year, driven mainly by the expansion of coca leaf cultivation in Colombia, according to the United Nations.
The global illicit drug trade, including cocaine, is estimated to be worth more than $500bn annually.
Alleged Italian Mafia Boss Captured in Colombia, Linked to Major Cocaine Trafficking
Colombian authorities captured Giuseppe Palermo, an alleged ‘ndrangheta mafia leader, overseeing cocaine shipments to Europe, during a coordinated international operation. His arrest highlights the ongoing battle against drug cartels, especially as illegal cocaine production surged to 3,708 tons in 2023, a 34% increase from the previous year. This development raises important questions about the effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling organized crime. How can nations further collaborate to dismantle such powerful networks?
www.cbsnews.com
Colombian authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against international drug trafficking by capturing an alleged leader of the Italian ‘ndrangheta mafia. On July 12, 2025, police apprehended Giuseppe Palermo, known as “Peppe,” in Bogotá, Colombia, during a coordinated operation involving Colombian, Italian, and British law enforcement, along with Europol.
6 Key Takeaways Alleged ‘ndrangheta leader captured in Colombia.
Giuseppe Palermo wanted under Interpol red notice.
Coordinated operation involved multiple international agencies.
‘Ndrangheta controls cocaine trafficking to Europe.
Cocaine production surged to 3,708 tons in 2023.
Colombian police emphasize ongoing anti-crime efforts.
Palermo is accused of overseeing cocaine shipments and managing trafficking routes to Europe, making him a key figure in one of the world’s most powerful criminal organizations. His arrest highlights the ongoing battle against drug cartels, especially as illegal cocaine production surged to 3,708 tons in 2023, a 34% increase from the previous year.
Fast Answer: The arrest of Giuseppe Palermo marks a critical step in combating the ‘ndrangheta’s cocaine trafficking operations, impacting global drug trade dynamics.
This development raises important questions about the effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling organized crime. How can nations further collaborate to dismantle such powerful networks? The following points are worth noting:
Palermo’s arrest reflects growing international efforts against drug trafficking.
Increased cocaine production poses a challenge for global law enforcement.
Collaboration among countries is vital for disrupting trafficking routes.
The global drug trade remains a pressing issue, with rising cocaine production affecting many countries worldwide.
As authorities continue to target high-profile criminals, the international community must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the complexities of drug trafficking and organized crime.
Alleged leader of Italian mafia arrested in Colombia, accused of overseeing cocaine shipments
Colombian authorities say they captured an alleged leader of the Italian ‘ndrangheta mafia. Giuseppe Palermo, also known as “Peppe,” is accused of overseeing cocaine shipments. He is believed to be part of “one of the most tightly knit cells” of the mafia, police say. He was apprehended on the street in Colombia’s capital, Bogota, during a coordinated operation, they say..Illegal cocaine production reached 3,708 tons in 2023, an increase of nearly 34% from the previous year, U.N. says.
Police identified the suspect as Giuseppe Palermo, also known as “Peppe,” an Italian who was wanted under an Interpol red notice, which called for his arrest in 196 countries.
He was apprehended on the street in Colombia’s capital, Bogota, during a coordinated operation between Colombian, Italian and British authorities, as well as Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, according to an official report.
Palermo is believed to be part of “one of the most tightly knit cells” of the ‘ndrangheta mafia, said Carlos Fernando Triana, head of the Colombian police, in a message posted on X.
¡𝗖𝗔𝗬𝗢́ 𝗘𝗟 𝗠𝗔́𝗫𝗜𝗠𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔 𝗗𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗙𝗜𝗔 𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗘𝗡 𝗔𝗠𝗘́𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔! En Bogotá, en desarrollo de la ofensiva contra el multicrimen y el delito, la @PoliciaColombia , en coordinación con @Europol y autoridades del Reino Unido e… pic.twitter.com/pa3dZ2fn8g — Mayor general Carlos Fernando Triana Beltrán (@DirectorPolicia) July 11, 2025
The ‘ndrangheta, one of Italy’s most powerful and secretive criminal organizations, has extended its influence abroad and is widely accused of importing cocaine into Europe.
The suspect “not only led the purchase of large shipments of cocaine in Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, but also controlled the maritime and land routes used to transport the drugs to European markets,” Triana added.
Illegal cocaine production reached 3,708 tons in 2023, an increase of nearly 34% from the previous year, driven mainly by the expansion of coca leaf cultivation in Colombia, according to the United Nations.