The
President of the Republic, Jose Jeri, led several police operations in the early hours of Tuesday, which resulted in the raid of multiple properties and the arrest of criminal gang members involved in extorting transportation companies.
First, the Head of State led the operation carried out in Santiago de Surco's Prolongacion Benavides residential area, as part of the ongoing state of emergency.
The police operation resulted in the apprehension of a suspected member of the gang known as "Los Amigos del Sur" (The Friends of the South), identified as a remnant of the organization known as "Los Trujillanos" (The Trujillo Group).
The group is allegedly linked to extortion activities targeting both formal and informal transportation companies in Lima's southern area.
The suspect was identified as Jose Carlos Rodriguez Fernandez, known by the alias "Chon." He is an alleged ringleader of the criminal organization, who was arrested once again after having been released due to excess of jail time.
During the search, law enforcement agents seized a firearm, ammunition, sticks of dynamite, mobile phones, and various documents allegedly used in the commission of illicit activities.
According to police information, the criminal organization allegedly extorted 12 transportation companies: Santa Catalina; La 41; San Pedro; San Genaro; Unidad de Villa (known as "La W"); San Juanito; Corazon Valiente; Esfuerzos Unidos; Martir Olaya (known as "La 20"); Ruta 160; Nueva America; and Etuchisa (known as "El Chino").
Blow against crime
Following the operation, the Head of State underscored the significance of these actions in the fight against organized crime.
"This is a significant blow, because we have dismantled these criminal gangs by capturing their ringleaders. These systematic, forceful, and daily operations will play a decisive role in bringing down the public perception of insecurity," he emphasized.
Likewise, the top official said the government is carrying out coordinated operational and intelligence efforts for this type of intervention against organized crime.
"There are numerous organizations and gangs that are still operating. However, their days are numbered. Sooner or later, they will be dismantled and brought to justice by the State," he indicated.
The Head of State stressed that the government's top priority is to restore citizens' peace of mind and ensure their safety.
"The rights of criminals—who are enemies of the State—are of no particular concern to me. What matters to me are the rights of citizens who are being threatened day after day," he expressed.
San Martin de Porres
Subsequently, the President arrived in San Martin de Porres district.
In the area, two operations were carried out, resulting in the arrest of three alleged members of the criminal gang known as "El Clan de los R" (The R Clan), allegedly linked to extortion offenses in several districts of northern Lima.
Among those apprehended was Oscar Ramos Grados, known by the alias "Nene," the alleged leader of said criminal organization.
Those detained have prior records for aggravated robbery, license plate cloning, and illegal possession of firearms.
In both operations, the police seized a firearm, improvised explosive devices, a pineapple-style hand grenade, explosive material, and ammunition.
Authorities also found a threatening note that was intended to be sent to an extortion victim.
La Victoria
Lastly, the President arrived in La Victoria district, where he led a police operation that culminated in the dismantling of the criminal gang known as "Los Explosiveros de Huascaran" (The Huascaran Explosives Gang).
According to police information, the organization was allegedly involved in the manufacture, supply, and possession of hazardous materials and waste, as well as in the receiving of stolen motorized tools, including chainsaws and other equipment.
Law enforcement agents detected explosives and pyrotechnic materials at the raided residence that were intended for extortion acts in said district and other areas of Lima.
(END) NDP/MCA/MVB
Published: 1/13/2026