A raid on hotspots across Colombia’s second city Medellin has resulted in the capture of 49 people involved in the drug trade, according to police.
Operations led to the dismantling of several organizations dedicated to drug distribution at a micro level, said a spokesman, and Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon said seven of those detained had pending extradition requests.
The Antioquia police force also captured four people directly involved in the kidnap of businessman Gabriel Posada Jaramillo, the cousin of former Colombian president Alvaro Uribe.
Pinzon, meeting with Antioquia’s governor, mayor, other regional leaders and businesspeople, highlighted the advances made by security forces against illegal groups in the area.
But more effort was needed, he said. “The public should know that despite the challenges, because in terms of security there will always be challenges, as these organizations continue to mutate the Army will keep changing how it acts and keep making stronger hits.”
Pinzon highlighted Medellin’s achievement lowering the homicide rate, demobilizing members of the FARC’s 18th Front and dismantling terrorism support networks.
