In the framework of military operations to fight drug trafficking, troops of the First Brigade of the Fifth Division of Colombian National Army, in coordination with the Anti-Narcotics Directorate (DIRAN) and thanks to intelligence information, reported the finding and destruction of a laboratory for production cocaine hydrochloride.
This illegal complex found in an operation coordinated by troops of the N° 1 General Simón Bolívar Infantry Battalion in the rural area of the municipality of Santamaría, department of Boyacá, had an approximate production capacity of 2 tons per month of alkaloid, destined for international traffic, significantly hitting the illicit finances of the José David Suárez front, of the GAO ELN, in more than $9.196 million COP, a structure responsible for energizing illegal activities in the region.
During the intervention, the troops found and destroyed in controlled conditions a significant amount of 2,861 gallons of liquid supplies and 900 kilograms of solid supplies as well as specialized equipment used in the production of cocaine hydrochloride, directly hitting the productive capacity of the criminal structure. Among the solid precursors, 1328 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, 250 kilograms of activated charcoal, 200 kilograms of bisulfite, 200 kilograms of permanganate and 250 kilograms of caustic soda were seized. In the same way, 810 gallons of cocaine base in suspension, 1680 gallons of gasoline, 793 gallons of acetone and 125 gallons of sulfuric acid were eliminated.
In the same way, the logistical and technological construction of the laboratory, composed of industrial and rudimentary equipment indispensable for the production of the alkaloid, was broke up and destroyed entirely, including a distillation tower, a so called dragon, nine churruscos, six 500-liter tanks, 48 35-gallon barrels, an adaptor, seven microwave ovens, two hydraulic presses, a filtering table, two digital scales, three precision scales, a decantation hopper, a worm, nine additional barrels, three tables with plastic containers and test tubes, a rudimentary oven, 70 rolls of transparent tape, four rolls of black vinipel, a bale of filter paper, a roll of filtering cloth, 1,000 units of rubber for packaging, two 50-kilo gas cylinders, a sealing machine and an industrial stove. In total, 2861 gallons of liquid supplies and 900 kg of solid supplies were found by troops.
In the same way, six rustic constructions in wood and black plastic, used for the operation of the complex, were destroyed, consolidating a powerful and structural loss to this illicit production chain.
Through this result of the military operation, Colombian National Army deals a powerful blow to the structures of the GAO ELN, directly weakening its logistical and financial resources, and significantly hitting the chain of production and commercialization of drug trafficking. Preventing the circulation of large volumes of drugs to national and international markets and contributes decisively to the security and stability of the region.
Source: Press - Fifth Division
