Police arrest senior drug trafficker in southwestern Colombia

(Photo: El Pais)

Colombian authorities said Tuesday they have captured one of the last top members of the now-defunct Norte de Valle cartel. 

Carlos Jose Robayo Escobar alias “Guacamayo” was captured in the town Alcala in the department of Valle del Cauca. The drug trafficker is also believed to be one of the ringleaders of neo-paramilitary group “Los Urabeños” in the southwestern department.

The police operation was carried out in the towns of Ulloa and Alcala, where police units identified several properties, employees and vehicles belonging to the private security network of Guacamayo.

According to the police, the drug trafficker was accompanied by several of his bodyguards and heading towards the local church in Alcala in the moments of his capture.

Police information indicated that Guacamayo moved to Norte de Valle after the capture of “Martin Balas” in late May. The drug trafficker allegedly took refuge in a luxurious estate in a rural area, where he was guarded by his security forces.

MORE: Top Urabeños ringleader arrested in Bogota

This is the second time Guacamayo is arrested. The drug trafficker served seven year prison in the United States before he returned to Colombia in 2011. After returning to the country, the police lost track of the capo, allowing him to continue illegal activity for various criminal gangs.

Guacamayo is accused of conspiracy, forced disappearance, torture, homicide and drug trafficking.

Sources

Related posts

One of Colombia’s top publications suspends reporting on drug trafficking and paramilitaries

Petro calls on Colombia’s left to mobilize over election probe

Why a single company became “the greatest danger to Colombia’s democracy”