Authorities dismantle drug laboratories in Colombia and Guatemala

Authorities in Colombia and Guatemala have dismantled separate drug laboratories during recent anti-narcotics operations.

In Durania, Colombia, the National Army and Police dismantled a cocaine laboratory in Norte de Santander linked to the ELN's Germán Velasco Villamizar Front. The infrastructure, valued at 6.75 billion pesos, had a monthly production capacity of two tons. Authorities seized 470 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, 300 kilograms of solid precursors, 1,800 gallons of cocaine in suspension, and various chemical supplies. The operation prevented the international distribution of approximately 470,000 doses.

In Santa Catarina Pinula, Guatemala, police and prosecutors raided a residence within the Puerta Grande condominium, uncovering a narcolaboratory. The seizure included 93,000 crack cocaine stones, 40,500 cocaine 'colmillos', 46 jars of marijuana, and 486 rectangular packages of suspected cocaine. Additionally, officials recovered 122,700 quetzales in cash, a rifle, a grenade launcher, ammunition, and equipment used for packaging and dosing drugs.