Operation Pijao: The National Army dismantled a criminal network linked to the Darío Gutiérrez structure residual armed group in Tolima, capturing 14 of its members

Troops from Elite Gaula No. 2 and Tolima Military Gaula of the Sixth Brigade, in coordination with the National Police, carried out seven search and seizure operations and executed eight arrest warrants, leading to the capture of eight members of this illegal group. Among those arrested are alias Cachucho, accused of serving as the second-in-command and the main instigator of the extortions, and alias Duende, the alleged leader of the armed commission.

These results are in addition to the six arrests made during the first phase of Operation Pijao, carried out earlier this month in the municipality of Prado, bringing the total to 14 members taken into custody, significantly impacting the criminal capabilities of this organization.

According to military intelligence, those arrested are believed to have been involved in logistics, supply, and the storage of weapons and explosives, as well as in carrying out pressure tactics and collecting extortion payments from merchants, cattle ranchers, coffee growers, and other productive sectors in the municipalities of Dolores, Prado, Cunday, Villarrica, and Purificación.

During the military operation, five handguns, ammunition of various calibers, communication equipment, binoculars, eight cell phones, quartermaster supplies for the exclusive use of law enforcement, a bracelet bearing the symbol of the defunct FARC, and documents of interest to the authorities were seized.

Those captured were handed over to the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Criminal Organizations and will face charges of aggravated extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion.

With this result, the National Army continues to weaken criminal structures that seek to undermine the security and economy of Tolima’s communities, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the population and ensuring the stability of the region.

Source: Fifth Division Press.