A man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for leading a narcocriminal gang that trafficked cocaine from Bolivia, while he was detained in San Luis. He was joined in the conviction by financier Daniel Hedel Becher, who received 13 years and a fine of $48 million, and secondary accomplice Efraín David Cortez, who was sentenced to four years. The court found that the defendant organized and financed the drug transit across the border with Uruguay, and was involved in money laundering of the proceeds. Evidence discovered in the prison cell included cocaine, mobile phones, a laptop, USB drives, banking documents, a checkbook and even a precise weighing device. The investigation began in August 2023 when police in Jujuy province stopped a person attempting to deliver 5 263 kg of cocaine to Villa Mercedes. Subsequent raids revealed that the gang leader’s cell had an “office” containing physical evidence of the criminal activity. In addition, the prison director and deputy, Jorge Ángel Orozco and Mario Ojeda, were convicted of bribery and linked to the wrongdoing. Two properties, two commercial funds, 15 cars, motorcycles, bicycles, household appliances, cash and electronic devices were seized.
