According to officials, two members of the Green Squadron, a specialized police unit that tackles common crime, disguised themselves as World Cup mascots to approach and apprehend a suspect without raising suspicion.
The operation took place on Thursday during the opening match of the FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa, when football excitement was at its peak across the country.
Speaking on the operation, Colonel Carlos Alcántara, head of the Green Squadron, explained that intelligence gathered by officers revealed the suspect was a passionate football fan closely following World Cup activities.
As a result, authorities decided to use the tournament atmosphere to their advantage by deploying undercover officers dressed as Clutch and Maple, two of the official World Cup mascots.
The Peru police World Cup mascot arrest targeted 48-year-old Carlos Cabrera, who was allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities.
Video footage from the operation showed the mascot-clad officers assisting colleagues as they entered the property. Reports indicated that a metal sledgehammer was used to break through a door before officers moved in to detain the suspect.
Police authorities stated that the operation led to the recovery of 2,524 packets of cocaine base as well as a firearm believed to be connected to the suspect’s activities.
The successful operation has generated widespread discussion on social media, with many praising the creativity of the officers involved.
Clutch, the bald eagle mascot representing the United States, and Maple, the moose mascot representing Canada, were among the characters used in the undercover mission. Mexico is represented by a jaguar mascot named Zayu.
The Peru police World Cup mascot arrest highlights the innovative tactics sometimes employed by law enforcement agencies in combating criminal activities while adapting to current events and public interests.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations into the case are ongoing, while the suspect could face prosecution under Peru’s drug trafficking laws if convicted.
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