Top 'Clan del Golfo' leader killed, two from 'Los Pacheco' captured amid parallel election operations in Antioquia

Amidst the presidential elections on May 31, Colombian authorities in Antioquia launched coordinated security operations, striking blows against criminal groups in key regions. While over 3.2 million citizens cast their votes, law enforcement focused on dismantling illicit structures, particularly in the Suroeste subregion, an area plagued by micro-trafficking and territorial disputes.

In the municipality of Andes, a stronghold for drug trafficking conflicts, police forces neutralized a significant leader of the 'Clan del Golfo' identified by the alias 'Cartagena.' The operation, involving intelligence gathering and a search warrant, led to a confrontation when 'Cartagena' resisted arrest with a firearm. He was killed in the ensuing exchange with officers. Investigations indicate 'Cartagena' was instrumental in expanding criminal activities in the Suroeste, orchestrating selective homicides and engaging in conflicts with local groups over illicit economies, including explosives and materials for illegal mining.

'Cartagena' had a criminal record spanning over 11 years and was on the most-wanted list for the Suroeste region, facing an active arrest warrant for criminal conspiracy. He was also linked to a confrontation with specialized anti-narcotics units in January 2026 in the Santa Inés corregimiento.

In parallel operations conducted in Medellín and other parts of the Suroeste, authorities captured nine additional individuals. These arrests included key figures from the 'Los Pacheco' criminal group, identified as 'El Negro' and 'La Reina del Sur.' The timing of these operations, coinciding with the electoral volatility, aimed to maximize impact against organized crime.