Cúcuta, Norte de Santander: In a major blow to drug trafficking in the region, Colombian National Army and Police forces have shut down a clandestine cocaine processing laboratory hidden in the rural outskirts of Cúcuta. The estimated value of the seized drugs surpasses 3 billion pesos (roughly $720,000 USD), with a potential street value exceeding 8 million dollars if exported.
Acting on meticulous intelligence, soldiers from the 30th Field Artillery Battalion raided the lab located in the San Pedro hamlet. The haul included a staggering 297 kilograms of pure cocaine hydrochloride, 315 gallons of cocaine in production, and 6 kilograms of coca base paste. Authorities also seized a stockpile of equipment and supplies essential for the illicit operation.
“This significant operation strikes a major blow to Structure 33, a residual organized armed group known to operate in the area,” stated a National Army spokesperson. “This lab represents a key source of illegal income for these criminals, and its closure disrupts their operations and financial gains.”
The operation falls within the framework of the Thirtieth Brigade’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and dismantle criminal economies in Norte de Santander. The success highlights the unwavering commitment of Colombian security forces to safeguarding communities and dismantling the networks that fuel drug-related violence and instability.
