The alleged ringleader of drug trafficking organization “Los Rastrojos” in the coffee region was captured along with eight others, said Colombia’s police Wednesday.
PROFILE: Rastrojos
Alejandro Beltran Esquivel, or “Alex,” was wanted by authorities for roles in drug trafficking, targeted killings, and extortions. The director of Colombia’s National Police, General Jose Roberto Leon, said that Alex was responsible for multiple massacres and making use of international drug routes to Panama, Honduras, and Dominican Republic.
At least three massacres have been attributed to Alex including the 1997 massacre in the central Colombian town of Mapiripan during which dozens of farmers were murdered by members of paramilitary organization AUC. He is allegedly responsible for playing roles in more recent killings in the northwestern Antioquia department and the northern Cordoba department.
Colombian Police said Alex was coordinating between the Rastrojos and neo-paramilitary forces ERPAC and “Aguilas Negras”, as well as recruiting young men and women to join his illegal armed group. He also allegedly possessed strong ties with former Rastrojos leader “Comba” who surrended to authorities and was extradited to the United States in October 2012.
PROFILE: Luis Enrique Calle Serna, alias “Comba”
The successful raid, also resulted in the seizure of 32 mobile phones, three laptops, a tablet, USB, 10 million pesos ($ 5,500), three vehicles, two motorcycles, weapons and ammunition.
Sources
- Desarticulada la banda criminal de “Los Rastrojos” en el Eje Cafetero (Policia Nacional de Colombia)
- Capturado alias “Alex”, cabecilla de Los Rastrojos en el Eje Cafetero (Efe)
- Cae alias “Alex” lider de los Rastrojos en el Eje Cafetero (El Tiempo)
