Colombia arrests top drug trafficker ‘Palizada’ and two cartel suspects in nationwide crackdown

The National Police captured alias “Palizada” in Envigado, Antioquia. Authorities described him as a key coordinator of transnational cocaine shipments, handling up to 12 tonnes per month for U.S. and European markets and maintaining links with groups such as Los Mellizos and former paramilitary leaders. He was wanted under an Interpol Red Notice covering 196 countries.

In a related operation, police and prosecutors seized two additional cartel members, “Tomasito” and “Pimpo”, in Girardot and Bogotá as part of a joint offensive against organized crime in Cundinamarca. Both face charges of homicide, drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession. Governor Jorge Emilio Rey Ángel said, “Each capture represents a step toward restoring peace for the people of Cundinamarca.” The captures are presented as a significant blow to the criminal networks that finance and sustain Colombia’s international drug trade.