Nine Ecuadorians arrested in Trujillo in joint PNP-FBI operation
Peru's police arrested nine Ecuadorian citizens in Huanchaco, Trujillo, with support from the FBI. The detainees are alleged members of Los Tiguerones Trux.
Operation in Huanchaco: PNP and FBI capture nine members of Ecuadorian gang
Peru's National Police (PNP) arrested nine Ecuadorian citizens in the beach resort of Huanchaco, in the northern province of Trujillo, in an operation carried out with the collaboration of the FBI, according to infobae.com citing official sources.
The arrestees are alleged members of the criminal organisation Los Tiguerones Trux. Investigations point to offences including criminal gang activity, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal possession of explosive material, illegal drug trafficking and human trafficking.
During the raid, the PNP seized a mini Uzi automatic weapon, a revolver, nine sticks of dynamite, four rounds of ammunition, 23 mobile phones, three scales and approximately one kilogramme of marijuana. Two notebooks with records of alleged extortion payments were also seized, along with 2,490 soles in cash—equivalent to 734.5 dollars—a vehicle and a banner bearing the inscription "Los Tiguerones Trux".
The PNP indicated that it is coordinating with Ecuador's police to verify the identities of those detained and their possible criminal records. It also noted that documentation linked to one of those detained was found and will be analysed as part of the investigation.
The United States Embassy in Lima also disseminated information about the operation. On its social media, the diplomatic mission described the arrestees as alleged members of a "narco-terrorist gang born in Ecuador" and highlighted that the PNP and FBI are "working together". US Ambassador Bernie Navarro described the action as part of the so-called "Shield of the Americas".
Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, confirmed on 10 September the country's accession to that coalition against transnational organised crime, promoted by the president of the United States, Donald Trump, after meeting in Lima with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. On Tuesday, before the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, Fujimori reaffirmed that the fight against transnational crime is a priority of her government and that joining the Shield of the Americas reflects her "firm commitment to work" with countries in the region.
Source: Google News EC — Crime