Santa Marta authorities rescue kidnapped civil engineer

Authorities in Santa Marta successfully rescued 63-year-old civil engineer Sergio Pablo Gutiérrez Mejía following his kidnapping on October 14. The rescue was conducted through a joint operation by the National Army's Gaula unit and the Police.

Gutiérrez Mejía was located unharmed in a residence in the Aeromar neighborhood. His captors had demanded a ransom of 50 million pesos for his release and had provided a video as proof of his survival.

During the operation, seven adults were captured and two minors were apprehended. Law enforcement also seized a 9mm firearm with six cartridges, three sharp weapons, and two traumatic pistols. President Abelardo De la Espriella stated that the government will pursue full legal consequences for kidnapping and extortion crimes.