Peruvian police dismantle alleged 'gota a gota' loan gang, seize cash and explosives

Police in the Piura region of northern Peru carried out a preventive operation in the Castilla district after neighbors reported disturbances at a residence in Monte Verde. Agents from the Criminal Investigation Division and the Public Order and Security Division entered the two‑storey house and detained eight Colombian nationals suspected of running an informal "gota a gota" loan operation that charges borrowers daily interest and has been linked to intimidation and threats. The raid uncovered promotional cards for the loan scheme, more than S/2,100 in cash, mobile phones, a laptop, jewelry, a watch, firearms ammunition and, on the upper floor, two commercial‑grade explosive cartridges, a slow‑match and a mechanical detonator. The suspects and the seized equipment were handed over to investigators for further inquiry into illegal lending, potential extortion and the handling of explosive materials.