Barranquilla authorities transfer 20 criminal leaders to other prisons

Authorities in Barranquilla executed a high-security operation to transfer 20 inmates suspected of belonging to criminal organizations, including Los Costeños and Los Pepes, to prevent them from coordinating illegal activities from within prison. The inmates, some of whom had their heads shaved and were heavily restrained, were moved from detention centers and police stations to the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport before being flown to Bogotá.

Among those transferred is Rodrigo Javier Pantoja Linero, known as ‘El Gamo,’ a suspected member of Los Pepes, along with several other individuals identified by authorities as key figures in regional criminal structures. The National Penitentiary and Prison Institute (INPEC) stated that Bogotá is only the first stop; over the next 15 days, the prisoners will be distributed among various correctional facilities across the country to enhance security and mitigate risks of escapes or coordinated violence.

Barranquilla Mayor Alejandro Char shared footage of the operation, which featured strict security protocols and heavy police presence. The move follows an extraordinary security council held in the city to address rising violence and territorial disputes between criminal groups in the Atlantic department.