A fugitive escaped Italian prison and was arrested in Barcelona after Spanish police tracked him down in the Sants district, where he had been living under a false identity. He faces a 28-year sentence in Italy for a series of serious offenses, including drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.
Spanish National Police confirmed the arrest, stating the man was wanted under two European arrest warrants issued by Italian authorities. His charges include drug trafficking, illegal possession of weapons, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest, and escaping from pre-trial detention.
Arrest follows international search after prison escape
The case traces back to a criminal operation in Italy, where law enforcement seized 500 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. Following his arrest during that operation, the man escaped from custody on July 10 and fled the country.
Italian authorities launched an international search, and Spanish investigators began working the case in August. They discovered the fugitive had entered Spain using fake identification and had settled in Barcelona.
Hiding in Sants district under false identity
Investigators located the suspect in the Sants neighborhood, where he had been hiding. He was arrested last Monday without incident. Police said he had remained under the radar by using false documents and avoiding public exposure.
According to a statement from Spanish police, the fugitive was wanted for crimes that span organized drug activity and violent resistance to law enforcement. Authorities have not released his name but confirmed his extradition process is underway.
He is currently being held in Spanish custody while legal proceedings for his return to Italy continue.
This arrest highlights ongoing cooperation between European law enforcement agencies in pursuing fugitives across borders. The fugitive escaped Italian prison custody under high-risk conditions, and his eventual capture reflects intensified tracking measures implemented after his disappearance.
