Ecstasy and tusi laboratories dismantled in Lima: nine detained
The Dirandro dismantled clandestine synthetic drug laboratories in Lima and arrested nine people linked to their manufacture and sale in nightclubs.
Anti-drug operations in Lima result in nine arrests and 55 kilograms of chemicals seized
Peru's National Police (PNP) dismantled a network of clandestine laboratories dedicated to manufacturing and distributing synthetic drugs in Lima, according to americatv.com.pe. The Anti-Drugs Directorate (Dirandro) executed three operations at different locations in the capital, during which it seized artisanal machinery, prescription-restricted medications and approximately 55 kilograms of chemical supplies.
The substances produced—ecstasy and tusi—were being marketed at rave parties, nightclubs and other nighttime establishments in the city.
Machine with capacity for 1,440 tablets per hour
The investigations revealed that one of the machines seized had the capacity to produce up to 1,440 ecstasy tablets per hour. According to police estimates, that production could generate approximately 43,200 dollars in income, calculated based on sale prices at certain nighttime events.
General PNP Manuel Vidarte, head of the Dirandro, confirmed the volume of chemical supplies seized and noted that investigations are continuing to identify suppliers and other possible members of the networks.
During one of the operations, officers found a property fitted out as a laboratory for converting chemical substances into ecstasy tablets. There, André Palma Quiroz and Josué Saturno Chávez were arrested, who, according to the Police, were found handling substances and operating the artisanal machinery. The Judicial Branch ordered nine months of preventive detention against both suspects for the alleged crime of illicit drug trafficking.
Distributors with aliases and digital payments
The Illicit Drug Trafficking Investigation Division (Divitid) arrested two 21-year-old women linked to the sale of tablets in nightclubs and late-night gatherings: Pamela Llontop Percial, alias 'The Lady in Black', and Leda Fátima Bautista Lanfranco, known as 'The Baby'.
According to the Police, both offered ecstasy tablets with images of characters such as Hello Kitty and used digital wallets to receive payments, avoiding cash transactions. Colonel PNP Richard Noriega, head of the Divitid, explained that the networks also used social media to attract buyers, and that some of the suspects posted photographs of trips and exclusive items to project an image of trustworthiness amongst attendees at nighttime events.
Events organiser investigated in North Lima
Another of those arrested was Hilder Mathias Arroyo Huanca, 26 years old, alias 'The Promoter', an events organiser captured in North Lima. Officers found tablets in his possession intended, according to the Police, for sale.
Arroyo Huanca stated that he was selling each ecstasy tablet for S/20, while at events held at the beach resorts in South Lima prices could reach between 20 and 40 dollars. Also found in his possession were 138 bottles of prescription-restricted medications which, according to the investigations, would have been used as supplies to manufacture tusi.
Medical warning about risks to young people
Psychiatrist and physician Víctor Morocho warned about the dangers of synthetic drug consumption, particularly amongst young people who attend parties and nighttime events. Morocho explained that substances such as ecstasy and tusi can cause cardiovascular changes, neurological problems and intoxication cases that put lives at risk.
The specialist also noted that their consumption can generate dependence and affect academic, work and personal activities. One of the main risks, according to Morocho, is that users are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they acquire, as they may contain mixtures of different chemical compounds. He also warned about the mistaken perception that these substances represent a lower risk compared to other drugs.
Investigation continues
The Dirandro and specialised units of the PNP are maintaining investigations to identify suppliers of chemical supplies and distributors active in nighttime establishments. The authorities are analysing electronic devices and financial transactions linked to the detainees to determine how the commercialisation channels operate through social media, messaging applications and digital wallets.
The items seized during the three operations were made available to the competent authorities to continue with investigations for alleged illicit drug trafficking.
Source: Google News PE — Lima