Monday’s surrender of gang members of the “Rastrojos” crime syndicate results in the seizure of numerous arms and 17 arrests.
After more information was revealed from Monday’s demobilization, when it was originally thought that 22 Rastrojos members had turned themselves in, further reports show that 17 Rastrojos surrendered to Colombian authorities, reported Colombia’s Army.
The operation that took place in the municipality of Trujillo, in the Valle de Cauca department in the west of Colombia, resulted in the seizure of six rifles of different calibers, one 60 mm mortar, one machine gun, 17 camouflage uniforms and 17 multi-purpose vests.
The army awarded their success to negotiation with the group over the past two months, military pressure on the the gang and a coordinated effort in the operation between the national police and military troops of the 3rd Brigade.
The Commander of the 3rd Brigade stated Tuesday that, “offensive operations should continue in the entire Valley and North of Cauca, in order to continue providing safety and peace of mind to all the inhabitants of this prosperous region. We invite members who are still in these criminal organizations to come to any military installation and they will be subject to justice, ensured safety and due respect of their rights.”
The Rastrojos criminal band has endured numerous blows this year, specifically the capture and surrender of several Rastrojos leaders in recent months. The consistent arrests of these Rastrojos members has culminated in the supposed slow dismantling of the gang, known as one of Colombia’s deadliest and most sophisticated drug trafficking organizations.
