Pool Table Clue Leads to Arrest of Mafia Boss
Local police have reported the detention of an Italian mafia boss and alleged drug kingpin in Colombia, with his location identified through his pool table. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Colombian authorities have apprehended an alleged drug kingpin after his fondness for pool led them to him.
Gustavo Nocella, who also goes by the name 'Ermes,' was captured in Medellin following a six-month investigation, as reported by William Salamanca, the director of the National Police, on X on Monday.
Nocella, described as “one of the most wanted drug traffickers in the world,” is believed to be the “main link” connecting South American and Italian mafia groups involved in large-scale drug trafficking from Colombia to the Netherlands, which then distributes the drugs throughout Europe, according to the police chief.
Officials revealed that Nocella’s interest in pool was pivotal in tracking him down. Local media noted that the alleged kingpin frequently moved between luxury apartments every three months to evade arrest. His pool table, which he took with him during these relocations, became a key piece of evidence for the authorities. By tracing the table, police were able to identify Nocella's latest residence, leading to his arrest.
The operation, dubbed Operation Minerva, was a collaborative effort involving the Colombian National Police, Italian Police, UK authorities, and Europol. The 58-year-old was the target of an Interpol Red Notice issued by anti-drug officials in Naples, where he faced charges related to criminal conspiracy and drug trafficking. The investigation revealed that he had relocated to Colombia after fleeing Europe.
Colombia remains the leading coca producer globally, responsible for 60% of the world's cocaine supply, followed closely by Peru and Bolivia, according to the EU Drugs Agency.
Coca bush cultivation in Colombia rose by 10% last year, as reported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. This increase indicates that potential cocaine production surged by 53% in 2023 compared to the previous year, marking ten consecutive years of growth, according to the UNODC.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
Gustavo Nocella, who also goes by the name 'Ermes,' was captured in Medellin following a six-month investigation, as reported by William Salamanca, the director of the National Police, on X on Monday.
Nocella, described as “one of the most wanted drug traffickers in the world,” is believed to be the “main link” connecting South American and Italian mafia groups involved in large-scale drug trafficking from Colombia to the Netherlands, which then distributes the drugs throughout Europe, according to the police chief.
Officials revealed that Nocella’s interest in pool was pivotal in tracking him down. Local media noted that the alleged kingpin frequently moved between luxury apartments every three months to evade arrest. His pool table, which he took with him during these relocations, became a key piece of evidence for the authorities. By tracing the table, police were able to identify Nocella's latest residence, leading to his arrest.
The operation, dubbed Operation Minerva, was a collaborative effort involving the Colombian National Police, Italian Police, UK authorities, and Europol. The 58-year-old was the target of an Interpol Red Notice issued by anti-drug officials in Naples, where he faced charges related to criminal conspiracy and drug trafficking. The investigation revealed that he had relocated to Colombia after fleeing Europe.
Colombia remains the leading coca producer globally, responsible for 60% of the world's cocaine supply, followed closely by Peru and Bolivia, according to the EU Drugs Agency.
Coca bush cultivation in Colombia rose by 10% last year, as reported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. This increase indicates that potential cocaine production surged by 53% in 2023 compared to the previous year, marking ten consecutive years of growth, according to the UNODC.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
