Colombian law enforcement operations against Clan del Golfo

Colombian security forces have conducted several operations targeting the Clan del Golfo criminal organization.

In Pueblorrico, Antioquia, a joint operation by the Colombian Army and National Police led to the capture of four alleged members of the Edwin Román Velásquez Valle substructure. Authorities seized rifles, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices during the arrest.

Through ‘Mega Operación Imperium’, authorities worked with the U.S. DEA and the Attorney General's Office to dismantle a drug trafficking and money laundering network in Medellín, Cali, and Urabá. This resulted in 10 arrests and the forfeiture of approximately $12 million in assets. Investigations linked the group to Wilmar Albeiro Mejía Úsuga, alias ‘Richard’, and noted the use of cryptocurrency to move $180 million to an exchange in Iran.

Recent enforcement has focused on extortion and regional leadership. In San Martín, Meta, GAULA police and the Attorney General's Office captured ‘Rolo’ and ‘Michel’. In Yolombó, Antioquia, three individuals—‘Kike’, ‘Bryan’, and ‘Cristian’—were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and suspected extortion of local industries.

In southwestern Antioquia, a military operation in Jericó resulted in the deaths of three alleged Clan del Golfo members, including regional leader Cristian Camilo Chavarría Tapias, alias ‘Terry’ or ‘Keiner’.

Expanding on these efforts, President Abelardo De la Espriella announced that recent operations resulted in 29 arrests and the deaths of two suspected Clan del Golfo members during combat in Yarumal, Antioquia. In Mitú, Vaupés, authorities captured five alleged members of the Armando Ríos structure and seized 1,058 kilograms of marijuana. Additionally, operations in Puerto Asís and Puerto Santander targeted illegal hydrocarbon processing, resulting in the destruction of refining structures and the seizure of over 43,000 gallons of fuel.