Colombian authorities detain 173 suspects in major drug crackdown

Colombian security forces detained 173 people over the week during a series of security operations targeting organised crime across the capital Bogota with Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella affirming that it was "a blow unlike anything ever seen."

De la Espriella described the crackdown as an unprecedented blow against crime, involving "over a hundred raids" aimed at dismantling extortion, kidnapping, and drug trafficking networks.

Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan confirmed that ten criminal organisations were dismantled during the joint operation between law enforcement and local government.

Authorities stated that similar operations would be evaluated monthly, while de la Espriella added that future efforts would also address the 148,955 undocumented migrants.

Since de la Espriella took office earlier this year, he took on a tougher stance against crime, cancelling talks with rebels, bombing alleged criminal groups, and joining the US-led Shield of the Americas initiative.