The National Police of Nicaragua apprehended a Nicaraguan national along with four foreign nationals suspected of involvement in international drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. The arrests followed a significant drug seizure, involving 263 kilograms of cocaine and $32,400 in cash. Authorities also confiscated a Toyota Hilux pickup truck and a red Volvo truck, each used in the alleged trafficking operations.
Details of the Operation
On Thursday, the investigation began around 2:00 PM when officers stopped a white Toyota Hilux pickup truck at kilometer 68 on the Southern Highway in Nandaime, Nicaragua. The vehicle, driven by 37-year-old Nicaraguan Lesther Alcides Herrera Amador, was found carrying Mexican passenger Daniel Alejandro Caro Puerta, aged 29. After a careful inspection, authorities discovered a concealed compartment in the vehicle’s trunk holding two kilograms of cocaine and two packages containing $32,400 in cash.
Additional Drugs Discovered
Further investigation led the National Police to a red Volvo truck, carrying a white Wabash trailer, located at the El Guasaule Border Post in Somotillo, Chinandega. The truck, driven by 55-year-old José Concepción Recinos Escobar from El Salvador, was set to depart for Honduras. Upon inspection, police discovered a hidden compartment within the fuel tanks containing 237 packages filled with 261 kilograms of cocaine.
Key Figures in the Drug Trafficking Network
Alongside Herrera Amador and Caro Puerta, the police captured two more Mexican nationals involved in the drug trafficking network:
- Adán Angulo Angulo (49), suspected of overseeing drug transfers from Costa Rica to Guatemala.
- Jesús Alberto Caro Salomón (28), reportedly responsible for concealing drugs within hidden compartments in the vehicles used for trafficking.
Evidence Collection and Detection Techniques
Nicaraguan National Police specialists used the Scintrex Trace method to test for drug residue. This technique, which can detect even microscopic traces of narcotics, confirmed the presence of cocaine particles in several areas of the vehicles, including the fuel tanks, dashboard, steering wheel, and gear shift. Cocaine residue was also detected on the clothing and hands of the five suspects, strengthening the case for their direct involvement in the trafficking operation.
National and International Efforts Against Organized Crime
This operation highlights Nicaragua’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and organized crime. The successful detection and capture of these suspects involved coordination at multiple levels, including the monitoring of border areas and the use of advanced drug detection technology. By capturing individuals involved in various stages of drug trafficking, from transportation to money laundering, the Nicaraguan Police are sending a strong message against international organized crime networks.
