Colombian police seize 12 tonnes of cocaine in biggest-ever drugs bust

The haul is thought to be worth £274 million
Cocaine base paste after processing from coca leaves
AFP/Getty Images
Harriet Pavey9 November 2017
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Police in Colombia have discovered more than 12 tonnes of cocaine in the biggest-ever drug seizure in the country’s history.

The haul was found buried underground on four banana plantations in the north region of the country, close to Colombia’s border with Panama.

It was estimated to be worth about £274 million ($360m), Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos said.

“Thanks to a police operation with overseas intelligence, from friendly countries, the largest seizure in history was made,” he said at a police base where the cocaine was laid out in packages on display, the Guardian reported.

Cocaine is processed on a clandestine farm
Getty

The bust was the biggest ever in the nation’s long-term battle with drug trafficking. This particular operation was part of an offensive against the powerful Gulf Clan, a drug trafficking gang.

Police said the drug stash belonged to notorious gang leader Dairo Úsuga, also known as Otoniel.

Otoniel, who has been hunted by security forces for years, is the leader of the Gulf Clan, one of Colombia's most dangerous criminal organisations.

Four people were arrested during the three-day operation leading to the drug seizure, according to a police statement.

The Gulf Clan, which also deals in illegal mining, emerged from the remnants of right-wing paramilitary groups that demobilised in 2006 following a government peace deal.

According to the Colombia government, 1,500 members of the gang have been arrested this year and its second-in-command has been killed.

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