Colombia arrests security chief of drug lord ‘Cuchillo’

Colombian authorities have arrested the security chief of one of Colombia’s most wanted drug traffickers, “Cuchillo,” reports Caracol TV

John Eduardo Bautista, alias “Tauro,” was captured in Guaviare, southern Colombia, after authorities issued a warrant for his arrest for aggravated criminal conspiracy.

Bautista is believed to be part of the Colombian Revolutionary Popular Anti-Terrorist Army (ERPAC) led by drug lord Pedro Olivero Guerrero, alias “Cuchillo.” The organization was named by Human Rights Watch as one of the principle “paramilitary successor” groups.

ERPAC is active in the departments of Guiavare, Meta, Casanare, Guainia and Vichada, in eastern Colombia. Current estimates put the group’s membership at between 770 and 1,100 people.

The Colombian government is offering a reward of COP5 billion ($2.5 million) for information leading to the capture of Guerrero.

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