So far this year, as part of the interception operations against drug trafficking, National Army troops have been able to find and destroy 37 coca-based paste laboratories.
In joint, coordinated and inter-institutional operations, troops of the National Army, with the support of the Special Criminal Investigation Operational Group of the SIJIN (JUDICIAL POLICE) of the National Police and the Attorney General's Office, carried out in the rural area of the village Area Libre, of the municipality of Tibú, Norte de Santander, the finding and subsequent destruction in controlled conditions of a laboratory for production coca base paste. In said laboratory, it was possible to find 5.37 kilograms of coca base paste, in the same way, 29 gallons of DIESEL, 53 gallons of processed gasoline and 50 kilograms of lime were found by troops, among others elements.
During the operation, it was possible to arrest three individuals in flagrante delicto, who were put into custody of the SIJIN Special Criminal Investigation Operational Group (JUDICIAL POLICE) who carried out the urgent and judicial acts. The Cúcuta Sectional Prosecutor's Office charged these personnel with the crime of manufacturing, trafficking and/or carrying narcotics.
This important result complements those obtained during the month of January of this year throughout the national territory, where it was possible to destroy in controlled conditions 37 coca base paste laboratories and to find 820 kilograms of coca base paste and 4,767 gallons of this illicit substance in process.
Similarly, 81 coca leaf seedlings were found by troops, in which it was possible to destroy approximately 785,230 bushes. This destruction process was carried out in compliance with the established protocols, in search of environmental protection.
The soldiers of the National Army continue to carry out interception operations in the national territory, aiming at security, the preservation of life and good human physical condition.
Source: Press Aviation and Air Assault Division of the National Army
