Colombian police capture three members of Iván Merchán extortion ring in Meta

In a joint operation by the National Police and the Gaula Military Ariari, authorities raided a farm in the El Progreso vereda of Mapiripán, Meta, and arrested three suspected members of the Iván Merchán criminal structure—identified as “Junior,” “Bayron,” and “El Costeño.”

Investigators seized a Mini Uzi submachine gun with 25 cartridges, a 9 mm PX4 pistol with 155 rounds, a drone, a Starlink satellite antenna, a military‑style uniform, four mobile phones, several documents and three motorcycles. Prosecutors allege the suspects coordinated extortion against local businessmen, traders and cattle owners, and were linked to the burning of a truck and an armed attack on a palm‑oil company to pressure payment.

The three detainees were placed under the custody of the Attorney General’s Office for further investigation and possible prosecution. Police said the seized items will support ongoing cases and pledged to continue operations against extortion and related criminal groups in the Meta department.