According to military intelligence, these individuals are believed to be linked to kidnappings, extortion, intimidation, and terrorist attacks along the Pan-American Highway. During the operation, three rifles, two handguns, magazines, ammunition of various calibers, two motorcycles, a vehicle, a signal jammer, and other items believed to be stolen were seized.
As part of ongoing military operations and within the framework of the Ayacucho Plus Campaign Plan, troops from the Cauca Military Gaula and the 8th Light Cavalry Group of the 29th Brigade of the National Army, in coordination with the National Police, succeeded in capturing three alleged members of an organized crime group in the act of committing a crime. This group is believed to provide logistical support to the Carlos Patiño Structure residual organized armed group (GAO-r).
The result came about through the execution of two search warrants in the rural area of Villa Esmeralda of the Cajete district, in the municipality of Popayán, where three individuals were captured who will face charges for the alleged crimes of manufacturing, trafficking, and illegal possession of firearms; illicit use of communications networks; receiving stolen goods; and possession of firearms restricted to the use of the Military Forces.
During the military operation, authorities seized three 5.56-millimeter rifles, two 9-millimeter pistols, seven magazines, 150 5.56-millimeter rounds, eight cell phones, a communications radio, a signal jammer, two motorcycles, and a vehicle reported as stolen. Additionally, 71 items of merchandise, documents, motorcycle registration cards, military clothing, and 9-millimeter ammunition were found, the quantity of which is still being verified.
According to preliminary information, this organized crime group is believed to be working for the Carlos Patiño network and is responsible for facilitating kidnappings, extortion, intimidation, and terrorist attacks, particularly along the Pan-American Highway and other strategic routes in Cauca. Likewise, their criminal activities are reportedly linked to the theft of high-end pickup trucks and cargo vehicles, which are subsequently sold or handed over to members of dissident groups to bolster their logistical and criminal capabilities.
One of the most significant aspects of this military operation is the recovery of a pickup truck stolen a few days ago in the city of Cali, a vehicle that, according to initial investigations, could have been rigged with explosives to attack the security forces. This discovery allows for progress in clarifying potential criminal acts and preventing a possible impact on regional security.
With this result, the National Army and the National Police continue to weaken the support networks of the illegal armed groups operating in Cauca, undermining their logistical resources, capacity for intimidation, and criminal activities. Those arrested and the seized materials were handed over to the competent authorities, while urgent measures and the corresponding investigations are underway to continue the prosecution process.
