Rear Admiral Orlando Alberto Cubillos Chacón handed over command of Task Force Against Drug Trafficking No. 72 Poseidon, with a positive report on the results obtained in the frontal fight against illicit drug trafficking, in the Pacific region. To date, more than 234 tons of narcotics have been found during different maritime, river, land and air operations, in the last year. It is a historic figure that confirms the commitment and leadership of the Colombian Navy Units that work tirelessly to fight this transnational crime.
With the finding of 179 tons of cocaine and 55 tons of marijuana, the entry of more than US$ 6.4 billion into the finances of organized armed groups, Farc dissident groups and organized crime groups was prevented, weakening their criminal operations. In the same way, the distribution of more than 459 million personal doses, the generation of 90,000 new consumers and the death of at least 1,800 people by overdose worldwide were prevented.
In addition, during the execution of maritime and river interception operations, 32 semi-submarine-type naval devices were intercepted and 136 ships were immobilized.
On our coasts, Navy troops destroyed 121 cocaine production complexes and rendered useless more than 40 tons of solid precursors and more than 70,000 gallons of liquid precursors, which highly pollute the environment. Troops not only counter the production of the drug, but in the same way mitigate the environmental damage generated during its production and crystallization.
These important results took place thanks to an operational strategy based on the integration of maritime, river and air Resources of the National Navy, which complement the Resources of the National Army, the Colombian Air Force, the National Police and the office of the Prosecutor General of the Nation. They have in the same way contributed significantly to the combined efforts with other countries in the region, especially in the framework of the international maritime agreements that have led to the implementation of the operations Orion VIII and Kraken V in the waters of the Pacific ocean.
In his inauguration speech, the Brigadier General Rafael Olaya Quintero, who has successfully completed the Course of Higher Military Studies at the Superior War College, reaffirmed his decisive commitment to continue combating illegal activities, especially drug trafficking, that strike the tranquility and security of the inhabitants of the Pacific coast. In the same way, he highlighted that principles, values and compliance with laws will be the main pillars that will govern his command.
Source: press-Colombian Navy
