In 2024, the Colombian Navy has reported the military operation on the Pacific coast of Nariño, attributed to the effective deployment of the troops of the Navy Infantry Brigade No.4, through joint, coordinated and interagency military operations, with Colombian National Army, the National Police and the Attorney General's Office, against illegal groups that commit crimes in the municipalities of Olaya Herrera, El Charco and San Andrés de Tumaco, in the department of Nariño.
The continuous presence of Colombian Sailors on the South Pacific coast hit the criminal chain associated with drug trafficking and smuggling, resulting in the finding and destruction of seven laboratories for the production of coca paste base, the main component in the production of cocaine hydrochloride.
Within the illegal constructions apparently belonging to the GAO-r Iván Ríos and Rafael Aguilera, 1,200 kilograms of processed coca leaf, 1,300 gallons of liquid supplies and 300 kilograms of solid supplies were found by troops, which were destroyed on site in controlled conditions, complying with the established protocols and procedures.
Similarly, in the ongoing struggle to weaken the logistical and financial links of the residual Organized Armed Groups, the navy men struck the structures Alfonso Cano, Alan Rodríguez and Rafael Aguilera, with the arrest of eight of their members and the finding of eight firearms with more than 1,280 cartridges of different calibers. The individuals and war material were put into custody of the authorities.
Simultaneously, the crew of the Naval Institution found three ships with 2,400 gallons of fuel of foreign origin, which were transported without the legal documentation to prove the payment of import tax obligations. According to military intelligence information, gasoline would be used for the production of narcotic substances.
Finally, the military personnel found an illegal hiding place with 16 anti-personnel mines, which apparently would be used for the execution attacks against civilians and the Military Forces. The devices were detonated by anti-explosive equipment in controlled conditions.
With these overwhelming results, the finances of the criminal organizations that commit crimes in the South Pacific were hit by more than 142 million pesos.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
