Police Nab Four, Seize Arms Cache in Barranquilla Raid
Prompt action by police, alerted by local residents, led to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of a significant weapons cache in Barranquilla’s La Cumbre neighborhood. Authorities suspect the group was planning a violent act.
Massive Arsenal Uncovered
The operation, conducted by the National Police in coordination with the Criminal Investigation Section, involved two search and raid warrants. Officers discovered a large collection of firearms, ammunition, and three vehicles, two of which had been reported stolen.
Seized items included a .50 caliber Colt rifle, a 5.56 caliber rifle, an AR-15 rifle, a Smith & Wesson gun, a Walther gun, and a Córdoba pistol. Authorities also found rifle and gun suppliers, along with hundreds of cartridges of various calibers.
Suspects’ Origins and Intentions
Law enforcement sources indicate the suspects traveled to Barranquilla from Cesar, La Guajira, and Bogotá, renting the property for only four days. Investigators believe the group has ties to criminal organizations operating in Cesar and La Guajira. Their intent was to use the arsenal for a criminal action in the northern part of the city.
The stolen vehicles, recovered during the raid, were taken in separate incidents on June 13th and 16th. Car theft has been on the rise; the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports a 1% increase in thefts nationwide in the first quarter of 2024 (NICB).
Criminal Records and Charges
The four individuals have a combined nine prior judicial records, including charges for theft, illegal weapons possession, drug trafficking, receiving stolen property, domestic violence, assault, and document forgery.
One suspect faces charges related to the manufacture, trafficking, and possession of restricted weapons and ammunition. The other three will be prosecuted for receiving stolen goods, falsifying vehicle identification, and using false documents.
The National Police affirm their commitment to citizen safety and combating organized crime in Barranquilla and the surrounding area.