President Juan Manuel Santos announced emergency plan on Tuesday to combat extortion offenses, trafficking, illegal mining, theft, smuggling and murder in 11 of Colombia´s main cities.
President Santos said the emergency plan is specifically aimed at: “dismantling organizations dedicated to the theft of cell phones, dismantle structures dedicated to the local drug trafficking, eradicate outlets in educational facilities, intensify operations against smuggling in border areas, intervene in problem zones for extortion and related structures, intervene in prisons where laws are being broken, combat the sale of stolen items, especially the illegal sale of mobile phones. ”
The police crack-down which will last 90 days, is set to take place in Medellin, Pereira, Ibague, Pasto, Cali, Barranquilla, Cucuta, Bucaramanga, Bogota, Villavicencio and Neiva, where 82% of crimes are committed in Colombia.
The president also announced that in preparation for the New Year, one thousand police officers currently designated to administrative roles would be put onto the streets to combat crime.
“This plan should ensure security on roads, in tourist destinations , and the protection of businesses, residential areas and citizens in general ,” said President Santos.
Santos has ordered the organisation of Metropolitan security councils and greater coordination between regional and State authorities to fight crime.
Aside from targeting petty and organised crime on a country wide scale, Santos has also promised to up his game in the battle against terrorism and the state military campaign against armed rebel groups such as FARC.
In his press release on Tuesday Santos stated that the Ministry of defense would be holding talks with the Ministry of transport to strengthen checkpoints on Colombia´s roads to prevent and deter any acts of terrorism. State protection of energy and oil facilities would also be increased.
Santos called on the assistance of Colombia citizens to help combat crimes. He called on citizens to work hand in hand with local authorities and the police to help reduce crime in the 11 Colombian cities.
Santos said: ” We need the support of all citizens: I invite you to report to the police and report suspicious situations that you notice. In order to maintain close contact with you, we enable you seven lines of denunciation, ready to take your calls 24 hours a day,”
The President said that in the next three months meetings offering safety tips for citizens will be held in 12 cities in the country to address the concerns and needs of the communities in regards to their safety.
Sources
- Presidente Santos lanza plan de choque para combatir el delito en 11 ciudades (Presedencia de la Republica)