Overview

• A Reggio Calabria judge issued a June arrest warrant for Starnone as part of a DDA-led investigation into international cocaine trafficking.
• Investigators say he acted as the primary intermediary between the Platì ’ndrangheta clan and South American drug cartels.
• Colombian intelligence agents tracked him through multiple safe-house relocations in Cali and pinpointed his apartment with drone surveillance.
• His detention under an Interpol Red Notice involved Colombian special forces and follows a broad operation that executed more than 20 precautionary measures.
• Starnone remains in Colombian custody pending extradition to Italy while the Reggio Calabria inquiry advances against the transatlantic network.