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Need To Know > World > Cops go undercover as Santa to take down gangs and secure a crime-free Christmas
Santa-clad undercover cops in Peru busted illegal fireworks and drug gangs in Christmas crackdowns, seizing 75,000 fireworks, cocaine, and arresting multiple suspects across Iquitos operations.
World

Cops go undercover as Santa to take down gangs and secure a crime-free Christmas

William McGee
Last updated: December 24, 2025 12:46 pm
William McGee Published December 24, 2025
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The undercover police officers dressed as Santa Claus seized 75,285 category-three fireworks and a mobile phone. (Jam Press/Región Policial Loreto)
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Undercover officers dressed as Santa have carried out a series of raids to ensure a crime-free Christmas.

In one operation, they seized 75,285 category-three fireworks and a mobile phone.

An officer dressed as St Nick took part in the bust at a property illegally selling pyrotechnics in Iquitos, Peru.

READ MORE: Mum dies after ‘botched’ liposuction surgery

National Police said the aim was to prevent accidents involving children and young people over the holidays.

The operation ended with the dismantling of the gang “Los Protegidos del Pirotécnico”, with four arrests: Mari Maruli Pichen Rivera, 58; Félix Gardens Sandi Canaquiri, 29; Sharlene Fiorella Aching Pichen, 35; and F.K.S.A., 17.

The suspects face charges for trafficking pyrotechnics, as reported by Need To Know.

(Jam Press/Región Policial Loreto)

Just two days later (23 Dec), officers revealed two more gang busts in nearby Punchana.

Police photos show the suspects handcuffed, flanked by shades-wearing Santas.

At one property, the syndicate “La Furia de la Fresa” was smashed, with Moreyba Mishel Chufandama Naro, 26, and Wiston Leonel Vásquez Pinedo, 18, arrested.

Santa-clad undercover cops in Peru busted illegal fireworks and drug gangs in Christmas crackdowns, seizing 75,000 fireworks, cocaine, and arresting multiple suspects across Iquitos operations.
Undercover police officers dressed as Santa Claus carrying out a raid where they seized 75,285 category-three fireworks and a mobile phone. (Jam Press/Región Policial Loreto)

Authorities seized a motorcycle, a mobile phone, and 178g of cocaine base paste.

Simultaneously, the group “La Enfermería del Mal” was taken down, with Amalia Franchessca Vallejos del Águila, 20, and Miguel Rodríguez Rupio, 22, in custody.

Ammunition, a mobile phone, and 170g of cocaine base paste were confiscated.

READ MORE: Woman who ‘married’ rag doll ‘gives birth’ to their fourth child on toilet days before Christmas

Santa-clad undercover cops in Peru busted illegal fireworks and drug gangs in Christmas crackdowns, seizing 75,000 fireworks, cocaine, and arresting multiple suspects across Iquitos operations.
The 75,285 category-three fireworks. (Jam Press/Región Policial Loreto)
Santa-clad undercover cops in Peru busted illegal fireworks and drug gangs in Christmas crackdowns, seizing 75,000 fireworks, cocaine, and arresting multiple suspects across Iquitos operations.
Undercover police officers dressed as Santa Claus carrying out a raid where they seized 75,285 category-three fireworks and a mobile phone. (Jam Press/Región Policial Loreto)

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TAGGED:arrestedCrimeDrugsHorrorPeruPoliceshockingVideoworld news
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