Colombia police said they have arrested three men in relation to the robbery of a group of tourists on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, according to authorities.
The National Police in conjunction with the Prosecutor General’s Office made nine raids near the beach in Taganga, close to the city of Santa Marta.
“We found cell phones, a hammock and other people who were victims of the robbery,” said Brigadier General Gonzalo Londoño at a press conference.
Two of the three were detained on charges of carrying arms, possession of narcotics and receiving stolen goods while the third was acquitted “due to lack of evidence.”
The brigadier general told the media that those arrested “were all known criminals” belonging to the criminal group “Los Canarios” who in recent times have been devoted to the theft of travelers in the popular tourist area.
Tourists robbed, US woman raped on Caribbean coast: Colombia police
The arrests come after eight foreign tourists and four Colombians were robbed of their belongings on Friday night and a woman from the Massachusetts was allegedly raped.
Police authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing as they seek to close in on the remaining perpetrators including the culprit of the rape.
“We still have to get to the end of the investigation, so we reiterate that a 20 million peso ($6,927) reward is in place for those who provide us with information that will enable us to find the perpetrators of the crimes,” said Londoño.
How Israeli ex-soldiers turned a Colombia fishing town into a sex and drug den
The low-budget travelers were reportedly building two cabins in exchange for food and lodging and staying at the site overnight when the six attackers approached.
Londoño confirmed that the Inspector of Police and the Secretary of the Government are investigating the legality of the cabins being constructed stating that “these cabins are private but do not have permits and are not authorized for tourism.”
‘Foreigners brought drugs, prostitution and AIDS’ to Colombia tourist hotspot
The fishing village of Taganga had recently hit the headlines with reports of Israeli tourists engaging in illicit activity relating to drug trafficking, drug use and prostitution.
The victims of these crimes are reportedly to include travelers from Spain, France and Belgium.