4.5 TONS OF COCAINE SEIZED AND DESTROYED

BOGOTA, AUGUST 20 /SRNA - RIA Novosti/ - Colombia's armed forces seized and destroyed more than 4.5 tons of cocaine worth around $85 million on the black market, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said on Thursday.

"More than 4.5 tons of cocaine, along with 300 kilograms and 830 liters of cocaine base, were seized or destroyed. We prevented 7.7 million doses from reaching the streets and dealt a financial blow of at least $85 million to criminal groups," Espriella posted on X.

He said the drug seizures were the result of security operations in the provinces of Putumayo and Norte de Santander, adding that the drugs belonged to various armed groups, such as the National Liberation Army, the Bolivarian Army National Coordinator and the Border Commandos.

"Without cocaine, there is no money. Without money, there are no weapons or terrorism. We will destroy their operations," the president said.