Popayán, Cauca: Colombian military operations in Cauca have dealt a heavy blow to illegal armed groups, seizing nearly six tons of marijuana in the first days of 2024. These operations, targeting production and distribution networks, dismantle key revenue streams for criminal organizations and threaten their grip on the region.
Toribio: Dismantling Processing Factories
The first success came in Toribio, where troops from the Apolo Operational Command discovered a 1,400 kilogram stash of “creepy-type” marijuana, a potent strain favored by criminal groups. Not only did they seize the narcotics, but they also dismantled a makeshift warehouse and drying facility used for processing.
Intelligence estimates suggest this facility alone produced 800-1,000 kilograms of marijuana monthly, translating to over one billion pesos in lost revenue for the local criminal network. In a further blow, another 750 kilograms destined for Huila and Putumayo were intercepted in Toribio, again housed in a rudimentary drying facility.
Caloto: Crippling Production Sites
Moving to Caloto, specifically Guabito, El Nilo, and Pilamo Alto, the National Army located and dismantled three more marijuana production structures. A total of 1,800 kilograms of the narcotic were seized, and makeshift storage and drying systems were destroyed. This operation is estimated to have cost Caloto-based criminal groups over 900 million pesos.
El Tambo: Collaboration and Control
Further highlighting the collaborative effort, Rapid Deployment Force No. 4 in El Tambo seized 920 doses of marijuana during routine checks at a checkpoint. This operation, conducted with the National Police, targeted the criminal activities of illegal armed groups in the region.
A Commitment to Peace and Security
Since the beginning of the year, troops in Cauca have successfully confiscated a staggering 5,900 kilograms of marijuana, all handed over to the relevant authorities. These early successes underline the National Army’s unwavering commitment to curbing drug trafficking and dismantling criminal networks, ultimately promoting peace and security in Cauca. Continued cooperation with law enforcement and intelligence agencies remains paramount in ensuring the long-term success of these operations.
