As part of the commitment of the Colombian Navy in the fulfillment of the Institutional mission, aligned with the objectives set out in the “Heroes de la Libertad” Bicentenary Strategic Plan, the Specific Command of San Andres y Providencia, presents a positive operational report for the island community and Raizal people in the department Archipelago.
During 2019, against transnational organized crime, troops achieved the discovery of more than 2.3 tons of cocaine hydrochloride and 2.7 tons of marijuana, through the execution of joint and coordinated operations with the Colombian Air Force, the Army National and National Police, as well as maritime patrol operations conducted by the Coast Guard Station of San Andrés and Providencia, led by the Military Naval Police Battalion No. 11, who support permanently the National Police, acting decisively against the crimes of homicide, theft, drug trafficking and extortion. In this way, it was possible to find 10 weapons and 167 units of different ammunition, and capture 87 criminals and 33 drug traffickers, hitting the production and subsequent distribution of alkaloids in the Insular region which hits the Future of children and young people.
Regarding the strategic fulfillment of the relationship and joint work with various Institutions of the island, the inter-institutional committees were carried out biweekly, which become a space to coordinate and execute operations for the improvement in different areas of the island, such as : Land and maritime security, leadership, planning, infrastructure, among others.
The exercise of Sovereignty has been achieved successfully, through the presence of Frigates, Ocean Patrols and Rapid Reaction Units that, during the 365 days of the year, to guard the territorial sea of Colombia, protecting maritime interests, the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve and specially the historical fishing rights. The navy permanently makes presence in the islands Serranilla, Serrana, Roncador, Bolívar and Albuquerque, as well as, Providencia and Santa Catalina, guarding and safeguarding human life in the sea, saving together with the Coast Guard Stations of San Andrés and Providencia, 55 people; in the same way, 17 people with serious health problems were evacuated and treated in a satisfactory way.
Focused on the protection of natural resources, more than 16 tons of illegal fishing were found, specifically animals of great importance for the economic activity and identity of the island culture. Similarly, our navy men released more than 3,905 turtles in the different islands of the insular region, which were born in optimal conditions and put in their natural habitat, with the necessary conditions for their growth, survival and development.
Source: Colombian Navy.
