Guatemalan police clash with 'El Carpintero' drug cartel in Izabal; five arrested

Guatemalan National Civil Police (PNC) officers engaged in a shootout with heavily armed individuals in Izabal, whom authorities have linked to the criminal organization known as 'El Carpintero.' The confrontation occurred Saturday night in the La Democracia neighborhood of Morales, Izabal.

Security forces reported that the individuals, traveling in a sedan, were wearing bulletproof vests and carrying high-caliber weapons. The incident was captured on security camera footage, showing officers attempting to subdue the suspects. Initial investigations suggest 'El Carpintero' is deeply involved in drug trafficking and distribution, operating across the Zacapa, Izabal, Alta Verapaz, El Progreso, and Chiquimula departments.

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The PNC agents were attacked with bullets while they were trying to bring order to several subjects who were traveling in a sedan carrying armored vests and high-caliber weapons.

Their methods reportedly involve using convenience stores and neighborhood shops as fronts for their illicit activities, indicating a significant capacity for narcotrafficking. The PNC, in collaboration with the Public Ministry (MP), is actively working to dismantle the group. However, details regarding the leadership of this eastern Guatemala-based organization remain undisclosed.

During the operation, five individuals were apprehended. Authorities seized three .223 caliber rifles, six pistols, 307 pistol rounds, 12 rifle magazines, 10 pistol magazines, and four armored vests. The arrested men, identified as Alex “N” (39), Ismael “N” (35), Álvaro “N” (38), Winston “N” (37), and Sergio “N” (54), have been transferred to court. Two officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire. The PNC also identified a property from which the agents were attacked and, with army support, surrounded it pending a search warrant from the MP.

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This criminal structure is dedicated to the trafficking and distribution of drugs in the departments of Zacapa, Izabal, Alta Verapaz, El Progreso and Chiquimula.