Peru police use capybara disguise in drug bust

In an unprecedented Valentine's Day operation, Peruvian National Police officers executed a creative drug bust by using a capybara costume as part of their undercover strategy. Officers from the Terna group successfully apprehended 48-year-old Yair S. C. at his residence in Lurín, south of Lima.

The operation involved officers disguised as Valentine's Day gift deliverers, with one wearing a costume of the popular social media sensation, the capybara. Colonel Pedro Riojas Tipto, who led the operation, emphasized that the disguise was crucial to gaining access to the suspect's home, as traditional approaches would have likely failed.

The raid resulted in the seizure of over 1,700 packages of basic cocaine paste and various quantities of marijuana. This operation aligns with the Peruvian police's history of using unconventional tactics, including previous operations where officers dressed as superheroes and horror movie characters.

While the operation has gone viral on social media and garnered public attention, it has also sparked debate among legal experts. Ricardo Elías Puelles, a lawyer, raised concerns about the operation's legality and whether proper judicial orders were obtained before the raid.

The Fernando Terna group, specialized in anti-drug operations, has become known for their creative approaches, particularly during holidays. The suspect, who has a previous criminal history related to drug offenses, is now in custody awaiting charges.

Despite the mixed reactions to the tactical approach, the operation highlights the ongoing challenges in combating drug trafficking in urban areas like Lima. The incident has prompted discussions about the balance between innovative policing methods and legal protocols, while demonstrating law enforcement's adaptability in fighting narcotics crime.

The capybara operation's success through its element of surprise has added a unique chapter to police folklore, though it continues to generate debate about the boundaries between creative law enforcement and legal procedures.