Colombian Army under investigation for alleged irregular release of drug trafficker in Cauca
The Office of the Attorney General of the Nation has initiated an investigative process against the National Army of Colombia following the release of an alleged drug trafficker, who was arrested on January 31, 2024, in the department of Cauca with 4.5 kilos of coca base paste. The case, which has sparked a strong debate regarding the legality and use of public resources, points directly to the institution’s chain of command.
The events took place in the El Diamante rural area, located in El Plateado. According to the reconstruction of the events, Melciades Guaca Armero was intercepted by a military unit while transporting the narcotic on a motorcycle. Following the discovery, the soldiers followed the initial protocol: they informed the Prosecutor’s Office, notified him of his rights, and transported the individual by helicopter to Popayán. However, shortly thereafter, an order was allegedly issued to release him and return the seized drugs at the same location of the capture.
Questions regarding command and resources
Alofoke Deportes’ investigations indicate that the release order was allegedly issued by General Federico Mejía, who at that time served as commander of the Cauca Specific Command. The operation has been questioned not only for the decision to release the suspect, but also for the high operational cost; it is estimated that the aerial deployment to return the detainee to the point of origin exceeded 100 million Colombian pesos.
The Prosecutor’s Office seeks to determine if the threat of an uprising was real, if the military reaction was proportional, and who knew about, endorsed, or tolerated the decision to release the detainee.
Contradictions in the official versions
- General’s Argument: General Mejía has maintained that he did not order the release and that he did not have direct functional authority over the procedure, further arguing that the decision sought to avoid a violent reaction from the community (riot).
- Troop Testimonies: Soldiers who participated in the operation declared before the authorities that the situation in the area was under control and that there was no imminent threat of violence from the civilian population.
- Official Documentation: There are documents signed by General Mejía, addressed to superior commanders, where the circumstances of the release are detailed, which contradicts his initial denial.
The Administrative Tribunal of Cauca intervened in the case, ordering the Army to hand over the documentation regarding the operation, considering that there was no valid justification for keeping the information classified. The file reveals that 36 members of the institution participated in the operation, including three high-ranking officers.
Currently, General Federico Mejía, who holds the position of Chief of Education and Doctrine of the Army, is facing investigations before the Prosecutor’s Office Delegated to the Supreme Court of Justice. The crimes under study include conspiracy to commit a crime, embezzlement by official application, and abuse of public office. The justice system must now clarify the levels of responsibility within the chain of command and whether established protocols against drug trafficking were violated.
