Nineteen people from a transnational organization that supplied arms, ammunition and explosives to irregular groups on the border with Colombia, and to organized crime groups in Ecuador and with connections in Peru, were captured early on Wednesday the 18th.
For this purpose, the Armed Frontier police operation was applied, according to the Minister of the Interior, Juan Zapata, who gave details of the actions.
There was about a year of investigations. Illegal operations of transport, collection and distribution of weapons, ammunition and explosives were determined in provinces such as Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Cañar, Azuay, El Oro and Loja.
Among the 19 captured is Alfonso F., alias caluquiwho has been identified as the ringleader by the National Police linked to illegal arms trafficking and sale.
It would have relationships with suppliers and buyers. He has a criminal record.
President Lasso announces the capture of 19 people linked to a gang dedicated to producing and trafficking weapons and explosives
Of the 19 captured, seven have criminal records for firearms trafficking.
There were 32 raids in 6 provinces, and 15 firearms, 3 rifles, 6 carbines, 4 pistols, 1 rifle, 1 shotgun, 7 feeders, 741 ammunition of different calibers, 1,687 detonating capsules, 7 vehicles, $9,650 and $140,000 were seized. Colombian pesos.
“This organization is also linked to the seizure we had of a truck with explosives that was related to the terrorist acts that took place in the province of Guayas, Santo Domingo and Esmeraldas,” he said.
In two hours the attacks were perpetrated in Guayaquil and Esmeraldas, which would be linked to the transfer of prisoners. This is the timeline of events
Weapons, ammunition and explosives were sent through packages or vehicles pre-conditioned to hide them.
They used pre-established routes from the south of Ecuador to Imbabura.
Dissidents such as the former FARC, ELN, and others were supplied.
In the investigation there were flagrante operations in Ecuador and Colombia, those involved were arrested and explosive material was seized.
The Police Commander, Fausto Salinas, indicated that in January 2020 people were found wearing patches of illegal groups from Colombia and initiated joint actions with the Colombian Police to identify that organization.
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He added that the sale of arms was not only artisanal, but also industrial weapons and explosives of Peruvian origin.
In March 2022 in Nariño, Colombia, a shipment of pentolite (explosive for military use) that was going to Colombian irregular groups was stopped.
With this background, he added, this international operation was applied.
Salinas maintained that the explosives cannot be returned to the criminals and asked the courts to take action against them. (YO)
Source: Eluniverso
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