Peruvian police officer dresses as a capybara to catch drug dealer

An agent from the Terna Group of the National Police of Peru disguised himself as a capybara to fake a surprise delivery to capture a suspect in micro-dealing of narcotics

In a sting like no other, Peru’s National Police managed to arrest a suspected drug trafficker in the district of Lurín with a non-traditional disguise. On February 14, Terna Group official in a capybara costume arrested Yair Ernesto Solís Carrillo, alias “Machín,” who is accused of being a low-level drug trafficker.

The unconventional operation allowed police officers to approach the suspect’s residence unnoticed. The move took advantage of Valentine’s Day festivities, thus the disguise was more convincing.

Police planned a surprise drop-off, fooling Solís Carrillo into believing he was receiving a special present. Upon opening the door expecting to receive a gift, officers quickly pushed in. A search of the property produced more than 1,700 packets of cocaine base paste and around 15 ounces of marijuana and drug packaging material. Solís Carrillo, who had earlier known officials following earlier drug endeavors, was detained and taken into the Criminal Investigation Division office at Lurín.

Terna Group is known for creative undercover disguises

The Terna Group is renowned for embracing creative disguises in its undercover operations. Its officers have, over the years, employed popular characters to blend into criminal environments without raising suspicion.

For example, in December 2024, an undercover agent dressed like the Grinch participated in a Christmas-themed operation at the San Bartolo neighborhood that led to three members of the drug ring and a woman notorious as “The Queen of the South” being arrested.

Another operation that was remembered was held during Valentine’s Day 2024, when the officer went undercover as a teddy bear to deceive a woman suspect with a bogus love letter. The same tactics were employed for the Spring Festival and San Juan festivals, when officers dressed up as flower vendors or traditional dancers to approach their targets.

These new techniques not only ensured the success of police actions but have also brought international recognition to the Terna Group. Their ability to use surprise and cultural relevance as tools to arrest criminals is still effective in Peru’s struggle against organized crime.