Peru: Armed Forces, Police seize 400 kg of drugs, weapons, and ammunition in VRAEM

19:24 | Picha (Cusco region), Oct. 14.

The Peruvian Armed Forces and National Police on Wednesday dealt a hard blow to drug trafficking in the Valley of Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM).

Two people were arrested during the operation. They had 400 kg of drugs, weapons, and ammunition in their possession.

In a joint statement, the Ministries of Defense and Interior reported that the operation —conducted in the town of Picha, in Cusco’s Echarate district— is a result of the first meeting held by the Integrated Military Police Command in VRAEM.

The detainees were identified as Alejandro Arrieta (aged 20), and Waldir Tapia (20). They were surprised in possession of drugs, two AKM rifles, a Glock 9mm pistol, two magazines supplied with 21 ammunition, 118 5.56mm caliber ammunition, and two portable radio communication devices.

The first meeting of the Integrated Military Police Command in VRAEM was held last weekend and saw the participation of Defense Minister Jorge Chavez and Interior Minister Cesar Gentille, as well as high ranking military and police officers.

"The Armed Forces and the Peruvian National Police work non-stop to fight illegal activities, and through these military operations, they reaffirm their commitment to the national security and general welfare of the population," the statement reads.

(END) NDP/JOT/RMB

Published: 10/14/2020
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