This past Saturday in Colombia, Elder José Arteaga Hernández, also known as “El Costeño,” was arrested as one of the potential masterminds behind the attack on Senator and presidential pre-candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay. The attack took place on June 7 in the Modelia neighborhood, Engativá district, in Bogotá. According to General Carlos Fernando Triana, Director of the National Police, “El Costeño” is believed to have been the one who influenced and used the underage perpetrator in the assassination attempt on the presidential pre-candidate.
Before these grave allegations, “El Costeño” was a familiar face in the community. About four years ago, he worked at a barbershop named Capital Barbeshop, close to Bogotá’s El Dorado airport. Reports suggest that he would cut hair and showcase his work on social media. However, as revealed by El Colombiano, “El Costeño” led a double life. Former colleagues and neighbors described him as running a popular business while simultaneously engaging in marijuana and tusi trafficking.
An acquaintance of Arteaga shared with Semana, “Before the pandemic, he had it all, like three barber shops. He used to walk around the neighborhood, and everyone knew him, so everyone is shocked by what happened.” The source also noted, “I used to get my haircuts there because there were several barbers, and they did nice cuts, but before the pandemic, I noticed some strange movements and saw drugs.” In the neighborhood, he went by the nickname Chipi, and it was known that he hailed from the Urabá region. Additionally, reports suggest he had a family but had separated from his wife.
Arteaga Hernández is wanted for aggravated attempted homicide, illegal possession, manufacture, and trafficking of firearms, and using minors to commit crimes. The complexity of his alleged crimes paints a troubling picture of his past activities and associations.
As the layers of “El Costeño’s” life are peeled back, a troubling narrative emerges, showcasing a man of dualities – a barber by day and a criminal orchestrator by night.
His case underscores the intricate web of criminal enterprises that can operate within communities, often hidden behind seemingly ordinary facades. The ability to juggle a legitimate business while engaging in illicit activities sheds light on the challenges law enforcement faces in uncovering such underground operations.
Arteaga’s alleged involvement in using a minor to carry out a violent act also raises concerns about the manipulative tactics employed by criminal elements to achieve their nefarious goals.
The impact of his actions extends beyond the immediate incident, highlighting broader societal issues such as the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for criminal purposes. This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers inherent in criminal networks that operate with impunity in certain regions.
In conclusion, the arrest of “El Costeño” sheds light on the intricate dynamics of criminal activities and the blurred lines between seemingly normal daily routines and illicit operations. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to combat organized crime and protect communities from individuals like Arteaga who exploit the vulnerable for their gain. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to delve deeper into the network surrounding individuals like “El Costeño” to dismantle these criminal enterprises and ensure justice prevails in the face of such insidious threats.
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