This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-36299539

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Colombia seizes record cocaine haul in Turbo Colombia seizes record cocaine haul in Turbo
(about 5 hours later)
Police in Colombia say they have seized their largest ever domestic haul of illegal drugs - nearly eight tonnes of cocaine.Police in Colombia say they have seized their largest ever domestic haul of illegal drugs - nearly eight tonnes of cocaine.
The drugs had been hidden on a banana plantation near the north-western coastal town of Turbo.The drugs had been hidden on a banana plantation near the north-western coastal town of Turbo.
President Juan Manuel Santos congratulated officers on Twitter, saying: "Operation in Turbo seized the greatest amount in our history."President Juan Manuel Santos congratulated officers on Twitter, saying: "Operation in Turbo seized the greatest amount in our history."
Police say the drugs belonged to Clan Usuga, a criminal gang.Police say the drugs belonged to Clan Usuga, a criminal gang.
Three suspects were arrested and another three escaped, a statement read.Three suspects were arrested and another three escaped, a statement read.
Nearly 1.5 tonnes of the drugs had been wrapped "and ready to go out to the export market", Defence Minister Luis Carlos Villegas said. Nearly 1.5 tonnes of the drugs had been wrapped and were "ready to go out to the export market", Defence Minister Luis Carlos Villegas said.
It was the largest seizure of cocaine on Colombian territory although there may have been slightly larger cocaine seizures at sea, he added.It was the largest seizure of cocaine on Colombian territory although there may have been slightly larger cocaine seizures at sea, he added.
Clan Usuga is mainly engaged in drug trafficking but has also been accused of extortion, illegal mining, forced disappearances and murder, correspondents say.Clan Usuga is mainly engaged in drug trafficking but has also been accused of extortion, illegal mining, forced disappearances and murder, correspondents say.
Colombian police estimate the gang has about 2,000 active members.Colombian police estimate the gang has about 2,000 active members.
Over the past five years, the security forces have captured 6,700 members of the group.Over the past five years, the security forces have captured 6,700 members of the group.
Earlier this month, the Colombian government said it would launch air raids against gangs involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining.Earlier this month, the Colombian government said it would launch air raids against gangs involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining.
The new strategy specifically targets three gangs - Clan Usuga, Los Pelusos and Los Puntilleros.The new strategy specifically targets three gangs - Clan Usuga, Los Pelusos and Los Puntilleros.