Urabenos surrender prospects.
On September 27, security forces captured 28 suspected members of the Urabenos crime group in Antioquia. The arrests came just days after the seizure of seven tonnes of cocaine belonging to the organisation. President Juan Manuel Santos announced on September 5 that Urabenos boss, Dairo Antonio Usuga, alias ‘Otoniel’ had offered his organisation’s surrender in exchange for prosecutorial leniency. Bogota is exploring this option and drafting legislation to facilitate the surrender of such groups.
With hostilities still in progress, the accidental killing of Otoniel could end any chance of peace talks.
Illegal mining in Choco and Antioquia is unlikely to decline, even after an Urabenos surrender.
Trials of Urabenos leaders could see high-level politicians and companies implicated in criminal activities.
