Brazil recovers high-profile drug trafficker arrested in Bolivian territory
A member of the First Command of the Capital was found in Cotoca, near Santa Cruz, after remaining at large since 2020.
Brazil recovers high-profile drug trafficker arrested in Bolivian territory
An individual wanted by Brazilian justice for five years was finally located in eastern Bolivia and returned to his country of origin in recent hours. The subject, linked to one of South America's most powerful criminal factions, had managed to remain hidden after escaping a house arrest order.
The operation was carried out in the town of Cotoca, just 22 kilometres east of the city of Santa Cruz. There, officers from GIOE Oriente—a specialised branch of the Felcn—managed to locate the fugitive during a raid executed on Tuesday.
According to confirmation from the Vice Minister of Social Defence, Ernesto Justiniano, the detainee went by the name Gerson Palermo and had an active Interpol red notice. The official highlighted the joint work between both countries as an achievement of binational coordination in security matters.
The return of the wanted individual was completed just 24 hours after his arrest. An aircraft from the Brazilian Federal Police landed in national territory to transport the subject, who was escorted by anti-drug agents until the moment of his departure.
Palermo had previously received a sentence in his country for crimes linked to the trafficking of illegal substances. However, he decided to flee in April 2020 after breaching the restrictions of his house arrest, which activated his international search.
Local authorities identify him as the head of a structure dedicated to transporting cocaine across the border line. Cotoca, where he was found, is listed as one of the strategic areas used by these networks for their operations.
The case demonstrates once again Bolivia's role as a transit territory and refuge for high-profile criminals from neighbouring countries, as well as the capacity of security forces to respond when there is effective collaboration between states.
_Source: Visión 360_
Source: Google News BO — Crime