Neo-paramilitary arsenal seized in central Colombia

Colombia’s Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DIJIN) have seized over 100 weapons from drug gang ERPAC, reported Spanish news agency EFE Friday.

General Carlos Ramiro Mena of the DIJIN spoke with EFE by telephone from the operation area. He said “more than 100 rifles, grenade launchers, mortars, grenades, and a large amount of ammunition” were found.

The weapons were located in seven different hidden stores in the forests of Guacamayas and Santa Elena near the municipality of Mapiripan in the southeast of the department of Meta in central Colombia.

Mena said “This is the largest ERPAC arsenal we have captured since their surrender.” Authorities have not ruled out the existence of more weapon caches. Mena added “We will continue these operations until the group has been completely dismantled.”

Three hundred members of the neo-paramilitary group ERPAC surrendered to authorities in December, but it is suspected that 800 remain active.

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