Operation Christmas: Cops in Santa Claus costumes disarmed a dangerous gang

In Peru, local police conducted a series of raids to clear the city of Iquitos of criminals selling illegal fireworks and other prohibited substances. Cops used Santa Claus costumes as cover.

During one of the operations, law enforcement officers seized 75,285 Category III fireworks and a mobile phone, according to a Peruvian police post on Facebook*.

An officer dressed as Santa Claus participated in an arrest at a premises where fireworks were being illegally sold. The National Police stated that the purpose of the operation was to prevent accidents involving children and young people during the holiday season.

The raid resulted in the dismantling of the "Los Protegidos del Pirotecnico" criminal group, and the arrest of four suspects. The suspects are charged with illegally trafficking fireworks.

Two days before Christmas, police reported two more arrests of gangs in the neighboring district of Punchana. The published photos show the suspects in handcuffs, standing next to police officers dressed in Santa suits and wearing dark glasses.

Law enforcement officers dismantled the "La Furia de la Fresa" and "La Enfermeria del Mal" gangs in one of the houses. Motorcycles, cell phones, and more than 350 grams of illegal substances were seized during the search.