Colombia’s National Police released video material and details Monday regarding the operation that killed drug lord “Giovanni,” leader of the powerful “Urabeños” on January 1.
According to the police, “Operation Colombia 25” began after the arrest of alleged members of the Urabeños for the murder in the north of Colombia of two students from Bogota’s prestigious Los Andes University in January 2010.
Undercover anti-narcotics agents were able to infiltrate the higher ranks of the country’s largest and most powerful neo-paramilitary organization in August after which authorities knew that Giovanni — whose real name is Juan de Dios Usuga — and his brother Dario Antonio were operating from the most northern part of the Uraba region around Capurgana and Acandi, where the drug lord ultimately was killed.
The operation got to its final stage when the informants reported that an unidentified famous vallenato singer canceled a performance on December 31 and the Usuga brothers were looking for a replacement. The same informants were able to plant a GPS chip in the cover of one of the guitars of the band that was then contracted.
Around 9PM on New Year’s Eve, the band arrived at the party held at a coastal holiday home the Usuga brothers had inherited from their former boss “Don Mario” after his arrest in 2009. At that point, the police say, the location of the two supreme Urabeños leaders was certain.
Two or three hours before the police raid, Dario Antonio left the party where the drug lords had invited some 93 people, including the Usugas’ parents.
Around 5:30AM, jungle commandos in go-fast boats approached the holiday home and helicopters were used to monitor movements in the area during the operation.
At that point, the security guards of the Usuga brothers opened fire at the security forces, killing one cop.
Giovanni was able to flee the scene, but was followed by security forces who shot him after a short pursuit.
All other guests at the party were arrested and taken to Medellin for identification.
The killing of Giovanni is the biggest blow dealt by Colombian authorities against drug trafficking neo-paramilitary groups since the death of ERPAC founder “Cuchillo” in December 2010.