Dismantling “Aldo’s Gang” in Buenos Aires Suburbs
A significant operation led by the Superintendency of Investigations of Complex Crimes and Organized Crime has successfully dismantled a major narcotic organization known as “Aldo’s Gang.” This criminal network, comprising both Peruvian and Argentine citizens, specialized in the collection, fractionation, and sale of narcotics. The operation unfolded across the suburbs of Buenos Aires, involving 43 simultaneous raids in various areas including The Killing, Dark, General Rodriguez, and Lomas de Zamora.
The Operation Details
Among the numerous raids, 23 occurred in the Iron Gate settlement, where the gang concentrated its drug sales. In the end, 30 arrests were made, with 16 individuals detained and 13 bunkers destroyed. The operation also led to the seizure of various illegal items including drugs, weapons, cash, and equipment used for drug processing. The court overseeing these actions was the Federal Criminal and Correctional Court No. 2 of Hummock.
Profile of the Detainees
The apprehended individuals included a mix of Peruvian nationals and Argentine citizens, their ages ranging from 18 to 60 years. Notable Peruvian detainees included individuals identified as CANS (38), EACJ (27), and BSVP (35). The Argentine detainees were varied in age, including those as young as 20 and as old as 56. This wide age range highlights the gang’s appeal across different demographics.
Drugs and Weapons Seized
In total, law enforcement seized a staggering amount of narcotics. Among the discovered items were:
- 1,476.68 grams of cocaine, packaged into 1,401 doses.
- 4,360.47 grams of dope in various forms.
- 500 grams of unfractionated cocaine and nearly 2 kilograms of dope.
- An array of cutting substances, firearms, and drug packaging equipment.
Additional Findings
The operation not only seized drugs but also gathered considerable assets linked to the gang’s illicit activities. These included:
- Five firearms, including two caliber revolvers and a Bersa TPR 380 pistol.
- Four motor vehicles, with one reported stolen.
- Cash amounting to approximately 778,150 Argentine pesos, along with more than 35 cell phones and various drug-processing equipment.
Broader Implications
The investigation highlighted the organizational structure of “Aldo’s Gang,” revealing its layered hierarchy consisting of managers, logistics coordinators, distributors, and street-level sellers. This breakdown is crucial for law enforcement to understand better and dismantle such networks comprehensively.
Conclusion
The dismantling of “Aldo’s Gang” not only represents a significant victory for law enforcement in Argentina but also underscores the ongoing challenges of combating organized crime in urban areas. The operation demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts and strategic planning in addressing the drug trade and its associated violence. The investigation remains open, with authorities seeking to hold all individuals responsible accountable for their criminal activities.