Summary
Colombian police have arrested Giuseppe Palermo, an alleged leader of the Italian mafia group called the ‘Ndrangheta. Palermo is accused of managing cocaine shipments and drug trafficking routes from Latin America to Europe.
Key Facts
- Giuseppe Palermo is an Italian national suspected of leading activities for the ‘Ndrangheta mafia in Latin America.
- Police detained Palermo in Bogota, Colombia, with help from Italian, British, and Europol authorities.
- The ‘Ndrangheta is a powerful Italian criminal organization involved in international cocaine trafficking.
- Officials believe Palermo managed cocaine purchases in Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, and controlled routes to Europe.
- The United Nations reports a 34% rise in cocaine production in 2023, mostly due to increased coca cultivation in Colombia.
- The international illegal drug trade, including cocaine, has an estimated value of over $500 billion each year.
- Palermo was wanted under an Interpol red notice, which requests his arrest in 196 countries.
