A suspected drug-related revenge incident linked to a February crime is under investigation. A police officer and a suspect were injured
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Eight people were arrested in the last few hours as part of a judicial investigation into a homicide that took place in the Jorge Newbery neighborhood, in the city of Córdoba. The arrests were carried out during a series of raids that included residences in the capital, Unquillo, and cells in the Cruz del Eje prison. The police seized a significant arsenal, vehicles, and numerous electronic devices.
The suspects are being investigated for their alleged involvement in an organization linked to drug trafficking. The event that triggered the investigation was the murder of a man last February, executed with multiple gunshots. Investigators believe they have found the "armed wing" of the gang.
During one of the raids, conducted in Unquillo, there was a shootout that left a police officer and a suspect injured. The operation was carried out by personnel from the Eter tactical group. Additionally, weapons of war, ammunition, vests, and vehicles that may have been used in violent incidents were seized.
Se ncautaron armas de guerra, municiones, chalecos y vehículos
A February crime as a starting point
The case began after the discovery of the body of a man riddled with bullets on February 21 in the Jorge Newbery neighborhood. The corpse had 10 gunshot wounds and was found on the north service road of Circunvalación Avenue, at the height of Sáenz Valiente. According to police sources, the incident may be linked to revenge between drug gangs.
The victim was identified as Gastón Vargas, 42 years old, who had previous injuries and multiple tattoos. It is suspected that the body was dumped at the scene and that it may have been transported in a Renault Kangoo. That vehicle was found in one of the recent raids.
The investigation was led by the Homicide Department and prosecutor Patricia García Ramírez. During the judicial recess, her colleague Iván Rodríguez took over. According to spokespersons, progress in the case was achieved through "meticulous fieldwork" in the "Los Galpones" area and El Nailon neighborhood.
La Policía secuestró un importante arsenal
Armed resistance during the operation
One of the most critical moments occurred during the raid on a house on Caseros Street in Unquillo. There, Mario Sebastián López (45) and Enrique Juárez (80) opened fire on the Eter group, even though they were shown the court orders. The octogenarian used a FAL rifle and López a 9-millimeter pistol.
An officer was wounded in a leg when a bullet struck his vest or shield and ricocheted. López was shot twice in a shoulder and was also arrested. The operation aimed to arrest López, but Juárez's involvement led to his apprehension.
The intervention of the tactical group had been anticipated due to suspicions that the occupants might resist. According to sources in the case, there were fears that both suspects would attempt to leave the province. The house was one of the 18 targets of the large-scale operation deployed.
Dinero incautado durante el allanamiento
Arrests in different parts of the city
In addition to Unquillo, raids were conducted in the Los Granados, Hipólito Yrigoyen, Panamericano, and Los Naranjos neighborhoods. In Los Granados, the largest group was arrested and weapons were also found. In total, six men, two women, and one teenager were arrested.
The 17-year-old was charged with concealment, as he may have had contact with the stolen vehicles. Among the seized cars are a Renault Kangoo, a Chevrolet Corsa, and a Toyota Corolla. Two of them had warrants for seizure.
Five of the adults are charged with "aggravated homicide by use of a firearm." The two who fired in Unquillo are accused of "possession of a firearm." Proceedings regarding the minor are handled separately, as he is not linked to the murder.
También se realizaron allanamientos en los barrios Los Granados, Hipólito Yrigoyen, Panamericano y Los Naranjos
Weapons, vehicles, and cell phones under analysis
Among the seized material are eight long guns, 12 pistols, four revolvers, and a 12.70-gauge shotgun. In addition, 550 rounds of ammunition, 25 magazines, two vests, a telescopic sight, and a kit to convert handguns into long guns were seized. $150,000 and 34 cell phones were also found, five of them inside the prison.
In the Cruz del Eje prison, electronic devices, cables, chargers, shanks, and metal spikes were seized. The analysis of these items will be key to advancing the case. Investigators believe the data will allow them to expand the net over more people.
"No drugs were seized" and "there are no charges for illicit association," sources close to the case stated. Investigators consider this to be "an investigation that will end up uncovering a broader organization." According to them, this is a gang that may be in the midst of an organizational escalation.
