What's New
A Peruvian police officer dressed as "The Grinch" led a drug bust in Lima, leading to the arrest of suspected drug traffickers days before Christmas.
According to a video distributed by Peruvian National Police, the operation in San Bartolo, southern Lima, resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of drugs and related paraphernalia.
Newsweek has contacted the Peruvian National Police via email for comment.
Why It Matters
This operation highlights the innovative and funny tactics employed by Peruvian police to make international headlines as they carry out their work combatting drug trafficking, a significant issue in the region.
According to the latest U.S. government figures, Peru is the second-largest producer of cocaine and cultivator of coca in the world, with an estimated 49,800 hectares of coca under cultivation in 2017.
Coca, the main component of cocaine, has historical and cultural significance in Peru and is deeply rooted in the traditions of its people. It is considered an ancient remedy for altitude sickness and has other health benefits, like boosting energy, easing headaches, reducing fatigue and quenching thirst.
What To Know
"The Grinch," portrayed by an officer from the Green Squadron, a specialized unit of the Special Operations Division, took part in local Christmas activities before initiating the bust.
While disguised, the officer entered the targeted property undetected and broke down the access door. Police recovered packages of cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine paste, along with scales and strainers used in drug production.
The raid was captured on video, showing "The Grinch" in a Santa suit searching the premises for illicit items.
Colonel Carlos Lopez Aedo, head of the Green Squadron, confirmed the operation's success, attributing it to the creative use of the disguise. The operation followed the Green Squadron's tradition of using holiday-themed disguises, including superheroes and horror characters, during missions.
On Valentine's Day this year, the same unit carried out an operation with an officer dressed as a teddy bear. They said they found drugs under the suspect's mattress in that operation.
On Halloween night in 2023, the same unit carried out a drug bust with officers dressed as "Freddy Krueger" and the "Bride of Chucky." They said they seized 1,568 small packets of cocaine and cash in that operation.
What People Are Saying
Colonel Carlos Lopez Aedo, head of the police's Green Squadron: "Using the ingenuity and cleverness [of the unit] we used the Grinch after an activity for Christmas. The presence of the Grinch went unnoticed."
"The Grinch" (undercover officer), in the video: "I hate Christmas and criminals."
What Happens Next
The unit is expected to continue employing creative tactics to disrupt drug trafficking operations, with further investigations into the suspects and their network.
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