Colombian neo-paramilitary leader, alias ‘Mostrico,’ was captured by police in the country’s central Meta department Thursday.
Rafael Escobar Patiño (alias Mostrico), leader of the Colombian Revolutionary Popular Anti-terrorist Army’s (ERPAC) “Meta Block,” was captured along with four other group members, in the town of San Martin, Meta.
Escobar’s capture comes only months after he assumed leadership of the group. His predecessor, Edward Alonso Suárez Rodríguez, alias ‘Calamisco’, was captured on January 12, 2013 in another police operation.
More: Colombia police deal ‘greatest blow’ to criminal gangs in 2013
Escobar coordinated the commission of homicides against rival ERPAC splinter group, “Libertadores del Vichada,” for control of drug trafficking routes, and is allegedly responsible for extortion and other criminal acts in the Meta, Guaviare, Vichada and Casanare departments.
While ERPAC officially began a government-sanctioned demobilization process in December 2011, many of its members refused to partake. The armed group subsequently split into the Meta Bloc and Libertadores del Vichada.
More: Neo-paramilitary group ERPAC begins demobilization
Sources
- Cayo alias Mostrico (Policia Nacional de Colombia)
- Capturan al ‘Mostrico’ de las ‘bacrim’ (Semana)
- ERPAC (Insight Crime)
