Overview
- Anti-narcotics units intercepted a truck near El Cucho on the Sullana–La Tina route and found about 3,407 kilograms packaged in roughly 3,037 brick-style blocks concealed among organic bananas.
- The driver, identified as Frank Cristopher Cotos Gallo, was detained as officers also seized S/2,520 in cash and two mobile phones linked to the shipment.
- Investigators report the cocaine originated in the VRAEM and was to be hidden in export containers leaving the port of Paita for Hamburg, Rotterdam and Antwerp.
- Police attribute the operation to a transnational network known as Los Algarrobos that allegedly relied on a recently created export firm to mask the cargo.
- Authorities say the DEA-supported investigation continues with the load headed to Lima for processing and tactical teams seeking ringleaders, while media value estimates range from about $68 million to $150 million.