Colombia: President De La Espriella leads mega-operation in Medellín with 135 arrests and 153 raids

Medellín, Colombia — Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella personally led a major security operation in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley between Monday night, October 26, and the early hours of Tuesday, October 27, with a preliminary tally of 135 arrests, 153 raids and 98 expulsions, according to the report delivered by the president himself.

De La Espriella flew from Bogotá at 11:00 p.m. on Monday and accompanied the National Police and the Army throughout the night, together with Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez and Antioquia Governor Andrés Julián Rendón, in actions against criminal structures linked to homicide, extortion, theft and drug trafficking, according to Caracol and Colombia.com.

The first report, at around 3:20 a.m., counted more than 100 raids and more than 60 arrests. In an update as of 6:30 a.m., with 85% of the information processed, the figures rose to 135 arrests —54 in flagrante delicto, 66 under court orders, 11 foreign citizens and 4 additional apprehensions—, 153 raids and 98 expulsions. The results also include an Interpol red notice.

During the operation, alias “Primo Sangre,” second-in-command of the FARC dissident Front 36 in Antioquia, was killed by the National Police after resisting, according to the president. Among those arrested is also alias “Risas,” accused of robbing high-end watches from foreigners he followed from José María Córdova airport.

Authorities seized 10 firearms —a rifle, seven pistols and a revolver—, five traumatic weapons, 59 cell phones and seven radios, plus 717 million pesos and 25,000 euros in cash. In drugs, they seized 40 kilograms of cocaine, 6,377 grams of coca base, 19,750 grams of marijuana and 5,800 grams of synthetic drugs.

De La Espriella, who since taking office in August has focused his administration on security and the fight against drug trafficking, warned criminals in Medellín and Antioquia that “the party is over” for them and announced that authorities will go after “their leaders, their weapons, their finances and their criminal structures.” The president reiterated that the offensive will not stop and that results may keep growing once 100% of the information is consolidated. This operation follows similar actions carried out in Barranquilla and Cali.

Photo: Presidency

Source: Caracol / Colombia.com