Colombia Cops Used Exorcism And Prayers To Fight Criminals, Says Police Chief

Colombia's chief of police General Henry Sanabria has shared how his team fights crime in the country.

He said that he and other cops have used prayers and exorcism to fight crime and some of the most powerful criminals like drug cartel leader Pablo Escobar in Colombia, reported Arab News.

On Saturday, General Sanabria, who was sitting in his office surrounded by crucifixes, effigies of the Virgin Mary and various Catholic symbols, said that these religious practices have helped the police for long. These have helped his team throughout the last five decades of armed conflict in the South American country

Giving examples, he recalled that such practices helped in police operations in which Escobar (in 1993), FARC guerrilla leader Alfonso Cano (2011) and his military chief Mono Jojoy (2010) were killed.

Sanabria said the existence of the devil is certain, and that he has seen and "felt him."

Claiming that criminals used witchcraft, he said that in one operation a cop had been able to kill one of them by "praying while shooting."

President Gustavo Petro shared that they know the beliefs of the general, but "we try to make sure that these beliefs do not affect the rules."

He thinks that the police chief "has respected them, as far as we know."

According to CNA, previous statements by the cop have also caused controversy.

Sanabria has spoken against abortion and the use of condoms, which he called an "abortive method." Abortion is legal in the country until the 24th week of pregnancy.

In October 2022, he also described Halloween as a "satanic" holiday. As for the Women's Day on March 8, he said that a "woman's charm makes her husband happy and if she is reasonable, she makes it last." He also said that a "discreet woman is a gift from the Lord." Some people found his comments to be sexist.

Meanwhile, Petro recently suspended a ceasefire with the Gulf Clan, which is Colombia's main drug trafficking cartel, as per BBC.

Accusing the group of "sowing anxiety and terror," he ordered the security forces to reactivate their military operations against the gang.

In December 2022, the ceasefire had been agreed as part of the President's plan for "total peace" in the country.

The suspension of ceasefire is a major blow to the President's attempt to end armed conflict.

General Sanabria said that more cops would be mobilized and sent to the areas where the criminal gang is most active.

The cartel, which has a presence in many of Colombia's provinces, has international connections with other criminal organizations. They collaborate to smuggle drugs from Colombia to the U.S. and Russia.

Petro said that there is "no possibility of negotiation" while the Gulf Clan continues to engage in attacks and illegal activities.