The head of drug trafficking gang “Los Paisas” has been killed by DIJIN, the intelligence branch of the Colombian police, according to El Espectador.
Cesar Augusto Torres Lujan, alias “Mono Vides,” was killed in an operation carried out on his finca in the municipality of Taraza, in Bajo Cauca region. Torres Lujan was killed when a police helicopter exchanged fire with those on the ground.
Three other members of the gang, considered to be close to Torres Lujan, were captured during the operation. They were wanted for conspiracy and illegal possession of weapons.
President Juan Manuel Santos confirmed the news, and said that the government would continue the fight against emerging criminal groups such as Los Paisas.
Mono Vides demobilized along with the rest of the Mineros bloc of the AUC paramilitary coalition, but returned to criminal life as part of the emerging drug trafficking gangs which have taken the AUC’s place.
There was a COP2 billion ($1.1 million) reward for the gang leader’s capture.