Notorious Colombian Criminal Orchestrates Jailbreak, Flees Country

Juan Carlos Rodríguez, alias "Zeus," one of Colombia's most dangerous criminals, masterminded a mass prison escape, potentially fleeing the country. The daring breakout has raised concerns about corruption and prompted a massive police operation.

Notorious Colombian criminal Juan Carlos Rodríguez, alias "Zeus," has orchestrated a daring escape from prison during a mass jailbreak, potentially fleeing the country in the process. The incident has cast a spotlight on security lapses and raised concerns about corruption within the Colombian police force.

Rodríguez, a former military major and member of the Norte del Valle cartel, was arrested on April 7 on charges of transporting ammunition and explosives to an illegal armed group. However, on April 21, he escaped from a holding cell along with 21 other detainees.

According to police sources, an inmate faked an illness to draw guards into his cell, where they were ambushed. The inmates used the cover of a tropical storm to mask their escape. Rodriguez, captured on CCTV footage, covered his face with a towel as he fled.

Despite the presence of at least 10 officers, the inmates managed to escape, exposing security gaps in the prison. Policía Nacional General William Salamanca apologized for the incident, acknowledging a series of errors under investigation by the Police Inspector.

A reward of 50 million Colombian pesos (around $12,000) has been offered for Rodríguez's capture. Police have launched a wide-scale operation, closing all exit routes from the city of Cúcuta. Reports suggest that up to 50 inmates may now be at large.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has denounced Rodríguez as a threat that must be dismantled, highlighting the need to combat criminal organizations. Police have arrested three officers for their alleged involvement in the escape.

Rodríguez's criminal record includes arms trafficking, serving in paramilitary forces, extrajudicial killings, and links to drug traffickers. His recent arrest ended with parole in 2021 after he agreed to cooperate with authorities, providing information on links between the military, paramilitary groups, and drug traffickers.

However, Rodriguez's escape raises questions about the effectiveness of parole agreements and the potential for corruption within the criminal justice system. The government has vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure accountability for those responsible.

As the police continue their operation to recapture the fugitives, the investigation into the prison break and the role of potential accomplices continues. The incident has become a national embarrassment for the Colombian police and has exposed vulnerabilities in the country's security infrastructure.