Arequipa: 12.5 tons of explosives stolen in armed robbery

Three armed individuals intercepted a truck on the Panamericana Sur highway in the Caravelí province of Arequipa, stealing 12.5 tons of AMEX brand explosives. The robbery occurred between kilometers 607 and 610 of the highway near the Atiquipa district.

The assailants used a black pickup truck to block the Isuzu truck, which was traveling from Lurín, Lima, toward the Huayllacho estate in the Caylloma province. During the attack, the criminals fired shots at the vehicle, striking the windshield and a side mirror.

The victims, identified as driver Ronald Vilca Uscapi and security guard Juan Pinto Gómez, were violently subdued, had their heads covered, and were forcibly taken to a remote area. The thieves also stole mobile phones and a loaded 9mm Baikal pistol. The victims and the truck were later abandoned near kilometer 607. Police have launched an investigation to identify the suspects.