Police reported on Thursday that it had arrested 37 persons in eastern Colombia. The suspects are linked to killings, extortion and drug trafficking.
The crackdown took place in the eastern departments of Meta, Casanare and Vichada, all located along an important drug corridor linking central Colombia to the Venezuelan border..
In Vichada police captured three alleged members of Libertadores del Vichada, a splinter group from the splintered neo-paramilitary group ERPAC. Another 13 members of the group were captured in the Meta department.
PROFILE: Libertadores de Vichada
Pijarvey, a man believed to be well on his way to become one of Colombia’s main drug lords, controls the Libertadores del Vichada.
MORE: Former paramilitary on his way to become one of Colombia’s main drug lords
In the offensive, police seized one AK-47 rifle, a pistol, ammunition and 13 cell phones.
Cousins in crime try to revive paramilitary group
Police also attempted to dismantle a group of demobilized paramilitaries in Casanare attempting to revive “Los Buitragueños”, a paramilitary group that disbanded in February 2012 when leader ”Martin Llanos” was arrested.
MORE: Senior AUC commander ‘Martin Llanos’ arrested in Venezuela
Twelve persons linked to Llanos and believed to be involved in purchasing, storing, transporting and distributing chemicals used to produce cocaine were arrested in Casanare.