Former drug lord's motel with pet tigers to become domestic violence detention center

A distinctive motel in Tunja, Colombia, once associated with a notorious but elusive drug trafficker, is undergoing a significant transformation. The property, formerly known as "Mansión Real," located about 10 minutes from the city center, will now serve as a temporary detention facility for men arrested for domestic and gender-based violence.

During its nearly 30 years of operation as a motel, the establishment reportedly had unusual features. According to a local resident, the owner, identified as Miguel Ricardo Quintero Martínez, kept a pair of tigers as pets on the property. These animals were allegedly fed with cattle purchased specifically for them. The tigers were eventually relocated to a theme park after the owner's capture.

Quintero Martínez was apprehended in Costa Rica in 2007 and was identified by authorities as a leader in an international drug trafficking organization, considered one of the "invisible narcos" who operated in the region during the early 2000s. His criminal network was reportedly capable of shipping up to 15 tons of cocaine to Europe monthly.

The "Mansión Real" property, situated on the road to Villa de Leyva, was acquired through an asset forfeiture process. It will now house adult male offenders from various municipalities within the Boyacá department. This repurposing marks a stark contrast to its past, shifting from a place of leisure and alleged illicit activities to a site focused on addressing gender-based violence.