High-ranking Clan del Golfo leader Francisco Miguel Pacheco captured in Córdoba

The National Police captured Francisco Miguel Pacheco, known by the alias 'Pata de Palo', in a rural area of Montería, Córdoba, on November 14, 2026. Pacheco is identified as the second-in-command of the Roberto Vargas Gutiérrez structure of the Clan del Golfo. The arrest took place as part of the 'Aquiles' and 'Agamenón' operations conducted by security forces.

Pacheco has a criminal record spanning more than 23 years. According to officials, he allegedly coordinated a large organization consisting of more than 1,440 members distributed across eight sub-structures. He is accused of leading the expansion of this criminal group throughout the departments of Córdoba, Antioquia, Bolívar, and Sucre. The crimes attributed to Pacheco include homicide, illegal manufacturing, trafficking, and possession of firearms, as well as aggravated conspiracy to commit a crime.

Additional arrests in Antioquia and Bogotá

The security operations on November 14, 2026, also led to the capture of Néider Yesid Uñates López, known as 'Primo Gay', in the village of Santa Ana, located in Briceño, Antioquia. The Seventh Division of the National Army carried out this arrest in coordination with the Office of the Attorney General and the National Police. During the operation against Uñates López, authorities seized two 9 mm pistols, along with magazines and ammunition.

In a separate development, the National Police captured Juan Daniel Orellanos, known as 'El Gordo', in Bogotá. This specific arrest was reported by infobae.com.

Government reaction and previous investigations

President Abelardo De La Espriella celebrated the capture of Pacheco and praised the National Police for the operation. During a press conference in Montería on July 22, 2026, while still President-elect, President Abelardo De La Espriella had identified Pacheco as a target of interest. Regarding the recent success, President Abelardo De La Espriella stated that "the fear has changed sides" following the capture.

The capture of high-ranking members like Pacheco represents a significant blow to the structure of the Clan del Golfo in the northern regions of the country. The organization's ability to coordinate thousands of members across multiple departments has been a primary focus for Colombian security forces in recent years.

Glossary

• Clan del Golfo — The Clan del Golfo is a prominent Colombian neo-paramilitary group and currently the country's largest drug cartel. It is also known as the Gaitanist Self-Defense Forces of Colombia or the Gaitanist Army of Colombia.