MEDELLÍN, Colombia, February 1, 2026 – Roberto Nastasi, a 50-year-old Italian citizen from Rome, a long-sought fugitive for international cocaine trafficking, has been apprehended in Medellín, Colombia. This arrest marks a significant success in the ongoing international efforts against drug trafficking.
International Operation Leads to Nastasi’s Arrest
The arrest was part of a broader operation by Colombian authorities targeting international drug trafficking networks. Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez Zuluaga announced the capture, emphasizing the action against criminal organizations with transnational ramifications. Alongside Nastasi, a Panamanian citizen identified as Jean Carlo Valderrama, known as “Balín,” was also detained, also subject to an Interpol alert.
Allegations and Investigative Profile
According to Italian investigators, Nastasi is seriously suspected of being a key figure in a structured organization dedicated to international cocaine trafficking. The charges include aggravating circumstances related to the significant quantities of drugs handled and the transnational scope of the activity. He is believed to have acted as a crucial link between Italian criminal groups and South American suppliers.
Originally from Rome, Nastasi reportedly maintained ties with criminal circles in the Tor Bella Monaca district for years before relocating to Latin America. Investigations describe him as an intermediary responsible for financing the purchase of cocaine shipments, overseeing their procurement in Colombia, and organizing subsequent stages of dispatch to Europe, including through air couriers.
Judicial Precedents and Asset Seizures
Nastasi’s name has previously surfaced in judicial proceedings. In 2011, he was convicted and sentenced for drug-related offenses. Two years later, at the request of the Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate, assets linked to him, valued at over one million euros, were seized. These assets included prestigious properties, commercial activities, and numerous vehicles.
Investigators also connect him to family contexts already known to law enforcement for drug trafficking in the Italian capital, an element that further strengthened the accusatory framework against him.
Decisive International Cooperation
The successful location and arrest of Nastasi were made possible through close collaboration between Colombian and Italian authorities, involving multiple investigative structures and international coordination. Continuous information exchange allowed for the identification of the suspect in Colombian territory and his subsequent apprehension.
Nastasi is currently awaiting legal proceedings under the local judicial authorities, while investigations continue into his contacts and any further ramifications of the criminal network with which he allegedly operated in Colombia and Europe.
Broader Context of Anti-Narcotics Efforts
This arrest underscores the persistent efforts of international law enforcement agencies to dismantle complex drug trafficking operations. The collaboration between nations is proving increasingly effective in tracking down and apprehending individuals involved in these illicit activities, regardless of their location.
The fight against international drug trafficking remains a top priority for many governments, given its profound impact on public health, safety, and the stability of societies. The successful operation in Medellín serves as a clear message to criminal organizations that their transnational reach will be met with an equally determined and coordinated international response.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the extradition process or the timeline for Nastasi’s return to Italy to face charges. Further updates are expected as the legal proceedings unfold in Colombia.
The case of Roberto Nastasi highlights the intricate web of global drug trade and the dedication of law enforcement to disrupt these networks. The ongoing investigations aim to uncover more about his associates and the full extent of the criminal enterprise he was allegedly involved in.
Source: https://www.lacapitale.it/articolo/medell%C3%ADn-arrestato-roberto-nastasi-ricercato-italiano-per-traffico-internazionale-di-cocaina
