Police campaign in Bogotá seeks to prevent theft using scopolamine in nightlife areas
More than 100 Gaula officers patrolled bars and nightclubs in Bogotá on the weekend of 11 and 12 September. The campaign 'Don't let them mark your drink' aims to curb theft using chemical substances.
Gaula deploys more than 100 police officers in bars and nightclubs in Bogotá against theft using chemical substances
More than 100 Gaula uniformed officers from the Bogotá Police patrolled nighttime establishments, bars and nightclubs in the capital on the night of Friday 11 and the early morning of Saturday 12 September, according to bogota.gov.co. The operation is part of the campaign 'Don't let them mark your drink, don't lose sight of your beverage', aimed at preventing theft through the use of scopolamine and other toxic substances in drinks.
The action falls within the comprehensive strategy Bogotá Walks Safe and will continue throughout the remainder of 2026 in the different nightlife areas of the city.
Symbolic cup with helpline and QR code
The police officers deployed distributed a symbolic cup to citizens present in high-traffic locations. The object visibly includes Line 165, an assistance channel for victims of chemical submission, and a QR code with information on self-protection measures.
The objective is to raise awareness among both Colombian and foreign citizens who frequent bars and gastrobars in the capital, and to prevent them from becoming victims of criminal gangs that operate with toxic substances, also known as scopolamine cones.
Taxi drivers and platform service drivers, key allies
In parallel with operations in establishments, the Bogotá Police established strategic outreach with taxi drivers and public service vehicle operators working under digital platforms. These drivers act as allies to provide timely information about situations that could compromise safety while providing their services.
56 per cent reduction in kidnappings as of August
The Bogotá Police reported a positive balance in security matters for the period January to August 2026, compared with the same period in 2025. Kidnappings registered a 56 per cent reduction, with 19 fewer cases, whilst extortion decreased by 6 per cent, equivalent to 93 fewer cases.
Authorities attribute these results to the type of operational deployments that include the campaign against chemical submission.
Line 123 for reports
The Bogotá Police called on citizens to report any criminal activity or violations of coexistence through the Emergency Line 123. Reports, according to authorities, are key to advancing investigative processes and sanctions against organised crime.
Source: Google News CO — Bogotá