The operation, which was the result of a six month investigation, took place in the Colombian departments, or states, of Magdalena, Norte de Santander, and Atlántico y Guajira, reports Colombian media outlet Vanguardia.
Ten suspects were arrested in the city of Santa Marta; two were arrested in Maico, Guajira; one in Barranquilla; one in Soledad, Atlántico; two in HacarĂ, Norte de Santander, and one more in Ocaña, Norte de Santander.
Alleged organization leader JosĂ© Danilo Oviedo ChacĂłn was arrested in Barranquilla, while Inspector of Police Guillermo Alfonso MejĂa Orduz was among those arrested in Maicao.
Authorities seized more than half a ton of cocaine during the operation.
According to AFP, the 17 suspects are allegedly members of the drug-trafficking paramilitary organization Los Urabeños. The organization surged in power following the decline of rivals Los Rastrojos, however Los Urabeños have suffered several recent setbacks including a major cocaine seizure on a Caribbean island and the surrender of a top member who gave up several regional leaders to authorities.
