During the first quarter of 2017, Peru has seized 16 tons of drugs at police operations; that is, seizure has been four times more effective compared to the same period last year, when the police captured 4 tons, Interior Minister Carlos Basombrio noted on Thursday.
After monitoring the burning of 8 tons of drugs in Lima's Ate district, Basombrio welcomed the joint work between police and prosecutors to seize major loads of drugs and break up illicit trade gangs.
He referred to the effective coordination between police officers and prosecutors during the recent seizure of 1.5 tons of cocaine that was about to be sent to Europe disguised as a load of "pota" (giant squid) at Callao port.
"This is quite significant. The country is becoming more effective in the battle against drugs," he underlined.
This fight involves addressing a number of drug trafficking related problems such as the presence of criminal gangs, hired assassins and harms to the economy.
Cocaine, marijuana, and other drugs
The 8 tons of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana and poppy were destroyed at the National Police Special Forces Department (former Dinoes) headquarters in Ate.
Most of the drug is the result of significant seizure actions conducted by the National Police, like the recent capture at Callao port, where a cocaine hydrochloride load was disguised as one of "pota" heading to Belgium.
They also seized cocaine paste in Palmapampa (Ayacucho), cannabis sativa "marijuana" at Punta Hermosa Nautical Club, in Tumbes, Tingo Maria, Huanuco and Pucallpa, whereas poppy was seized in Quillo, a district in Ancash region.
(END) LIT/RRC/RMB/MVB
Published: 3/30/2017