Revelation of Peruvian-Origin Weapons and Aging Arsenal by General Víctor Zanabria of the National Police of Peru

General Víctor Zanabria, of the National Police of Peru, reveals the age of the police arsenal and the loss of weapons since the 80s.

Given the events that occurred in the neighboring country, Ecuador, and the emergence of a highly armed commando at the facilities of the TC television channel in Guayaquil, resulting in the arrest of thirteen hooded individuals. The general commander of the Ecuadorian Police, César Zapata, reported that during the rescue operation weapons, grenades and explosive material of Peruvian origin were seized in the possession of the attackers.

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Journalist Daniel Montalvo, presenter of RTU Canal de Noticias in Quito, revealed that one of the grenades confiscated during the intervention bore the insignia of the Peruvian Armed Forces. This revelation came from General Víctor Herrera, police commander of Zone 8, which covers Guayaquil, Durán and Samborondón, two of the most violent cities in Ecuador.

“According to the words of General Herrera, after several minutes they managed to get (the attackers) to hand over their weapons. They carried sawed-off weapons corresponding to security guards, semi-automatic pistols, two explosives and a military grenade (…) with FF insignia. AA. from Peru. This tells us that many of the criminal groups are working with weapons that are smuggled from Colombia and Peru,” he told the station.

Amid questions, General Víctor Zanabria defends police participation in preliminary investigations. Credit: Andina

The General of the National Police of Peru, Víctor Zanabria, addressed the question of the origin of the weapons used by the attackers on the TC channel in Ecuador. In statements to the Punto Final program, Zanabria revealed that the seized weapons were of Peruvian origin and noted that the Peruvian National Police has faced the loss of weapons since the 1980s, mainly due to terrorist actions and criminal activities.

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Surprisingly, the general admitted that the weapons in the possession of the PNP date back to 1965, indicating a lack of modernization in the police arsenal. In this regard, he commented: “Our weapons (of the National Police of Peru) are from the year 65. Let’s not say that we have a lot of modernity.” Likewise, Zanabria clarified that the most modern weapons in the hands of Ecuadorian criminals come from legal markets, taking advantage of loopholes in the regulations of possession and civil use, allowing buyers to acquire them, lose them and obtain new ones.

The senior officer also highlighted the worrying recirculation of ammunition to other countries, especially in mining areas, generating violent confrontations. These revelations raise questions about gun security and regulation in the region, underscoring the need to address legal shortcomings that facilitate the acquisition and circulation of weapons in the hands of criminal groups.

He argues that a representative of the Public Ministry cannot cover the criminal dynamics in all districts, highlighting the complexity of the legal system in the fight against crime. (Mininter)

Amid questions, General Víctor Zanabria responded to the controversy over the participation of the police in the preliminary investigations. In statements, he argued that it was the most appropriate option, since a representative of the Public Ministry would be overwhelmed by the workload in a single district.

“Due to the dynamism of crime, a representative of the Public Ministry who is on duty may encounter a femicide in a police station and an assault on the other side; So, it becomes impossible for her to be in all the proceedings,” said Zanabria.

The general’s explanation highlights the complexity of the demands facing the legal system, underlining the need for effective collaboration between the police and the Public Ministry to address the diversity of criminal situations that occur in the districts.

Given the serious complaint in Ecuador, the Government led by Dina Boluarte seeks to minimize the initial impact. Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZU / DPA

Faced with the serious complaint, the Government led by Dina Boluarte tried to downplay the initial impact. Despite this, he ordered that the Ministers of Defense and Interior move to Tumbes to reinforce the border and prevent the entry of Ecuadorian criminals.

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Minister Jorge Chávez Cresta declared that the Ecuadorian gangs have explosives, ammunition and grenades of Peruvian origin, but stressed that, so far, no weapons have been found. He explained that investigations and coordination are being carried out, including the exchange of information between Ecuadorian intelligence and Peruvian intelligence through the Armed Forces and the Police. The objective is to determine the source of supply of these elements, showing the joint commitment to address the situation and reinforce security in the border region.

2024-01-15 03:54:41
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