$70,000 seaplane and six arrested in drug operation in San Nicolás and Greater Rosario
A drug trafficking gang that used an experimental seaplane was dismantled following 14 raids in San Nicolás and Greater Rosario. Six people have been arrested and cocaine, marijuana, and weapons were seized.
Drug gang used experimental seaplane to transport drugs between Santa Fe and Buenos Aires
A criminal organisation dedicated to drug trafficking was dismantled in recent hours following an investigation launched in Buenos Aires Province, according to ellitoral.com. The network operated with logistical base in the Greater Rosario region and connected its activities between San Nicolás and Rosario Department.
The operation included 14 simultaneous raids: 13 in San Nicolás and one in Rosario Department. The most striking result was the seizure of an amphibious experimental seaplane, Lasermaster brand, Piltri 1 model (registration LV-X436), found hidden in a private hangar at Alvear rural aerodrome. Official sources indicated that the aircraft, valued at 70,000 dollars, was allegedly used for the storage and distribution of drug shipments.
Six arrested, including a 29-year-old acrobatic pilot
Among those detained is the alleged leader of the gang, a 29-year-old acrobatic aircraft pilot identified by the surname Cafiero. Five other people were apprehended with specific roles within the organisation: M. C. S. (35), named for concealment tasks; E. G. (27), charged with commercialisation; L. I. G. (49), identified as a retail seller; J. R. C. (52), member of the sales network; and W. A. C. (18), accused of local distribution.
N. C. A. (17) was notified for simple possession of narcotics and released. G. A. O. C. (60), father of the gang leader and alleged financial administrator of the group, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm.
Over two kilos of cocaine, camouflaged vehicles and weapons with filed serial numbers
The raids resulted in the seizure of over 2.1 kilos of cocaine — in one compact piece and 306 fractional packages — and 1.8 kilos of marijuana distributed in four pieces and six packets.
Regarding ground logistics, Buenos Aires Province Police seized a Citroën Berlingo van and a Mercedes-Benz C250. The latter vehicle was equipped with police beacons and a siren system, equipment which, according to investigators, was allegedly used to evade road controls on the stretch between Santa Fe and Buenos Aires.
During the raids, $4,050,000 in cash was also found, five mobile phones, a precision scale, packaging materials and three firearms with filed serial numbers: a Rubí brand pistol calibre .32 and two carbines calibre .22, one of them shortened.
Justice maintains international arrest warrants for two fugitives
The operation was carried out by the San Nicolás Delegation of the Superintendent's Office for Investigation of Illicit Drug Trafficking. The proceedings involve Thematic UFI No. 1 for Narcotics, headed by fiscal María Verónica Marcantonio; Guarantee Court No. 2, presided over by judge Ricardo Pratti; and Rosario Criminal Court, presided over by judge Rodrigo Santana. Two members of the network remain at large and outstanding international arrest warrants have been issued for them.
Source: Google News AR — Buenos Aires