Medellín operation targets 'la Sierra': alleged hitman coordinator 'Soldo' captured

In a joint operation involving the National Police, the Attorney General's Office, and the Medellín Mayor's Office, authorities apprehended alias Soldo in the Villa Hermosa commune. Soldo is accused of coordinating hitmen for the 'la Sierra' criminal structure and was listed among the most wanted for homicide in the metropolitan area.

The operation involved four search and seizure warrants, during which a 43-year-old man was also arrested in the act. Investigations leading to Soldo's capture began after a firearms attack in December 2023, which resulted in the death of Ruperto Palacios and injuries to Manuel López. Intelligence analysis of audiovisual records and evidence collection identified Soldo as a suspect.

Preliminary investigations suggest Soldo coordinated violent acts on behalf of 'la Sierra' leaders. This organization is believed to have criminal outsourcing ties with the 'Clan del Golfo.' During the raids, authorities seized three firearms, ammunition, over a thousand doses of narcotics, two pieces of military-grade clothing, 'Clan del Golfo' propaganda, and communication equipment.

Alias Soldo has prior judicial records for illegal arms possession, criminal conspiracy, financing criminal groups, and homicide. Medellín's Secretary of Security and Coexistence, Manuel Villa Mejía, stated that authorities are maintaining their presence to weaken criminal networks and disrupt their finances and armament. The two detainees and the seized material have been handed over to the Attorney General's Office for further legal proceedings.

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the institutionalism maintains presence in the territory to weaken the networks of criminal structures and affect their sources of financing and armament.