‘Made in Colombia: the best of Caro Quintero’: how dissidents in Huila package marijuana

Colombian authorities have intercepted a significant drug shipment in the Huila department, seizing 131 kilograms of marijuana. The operation, conducted by troops from the Magdalena Light Infantry Battalion N.º 27, targeted illicit economies of FARC dissidents in the southern region.

The marijuana was discovered packaged with distinctive labels that read, “Made In Colombia: lo mejor de Caro Quintero.” This branding references Rafael Caro Quintero, a notorious Mexican drug trafficker and co-founder of the Guadalajara Cartel, who is not affiliated with the FARC. Authorities are investigating potential links between his criminal network and former FARC members concerning drug trafficking routes.

The seizure occurred in the El Cedro village, Bruselas, within the municipality of Pitalito. During the operation, a man was apprehended in flagrante delicto. The confiscated marijuana is estimated to be worth over 196 million Colombian pesos. Military intelligence indicated that the shipment likely belonged to the GAO-r Teófilo Forero structure, specifically its Óscar Mondragón Finance Commission, which uses drug trafficking proceeds to fund criminal activities.

The arrested individual has been handed over to the Prosecutor's Office to face charges of drug trafficking, manufacturing, or possession. The seized marijuana has been placed under judicial custody and will be used as evidence in the ongoing criminal proceedings.