A bizarre yet effective police operation in Lima, Peru, has captured the attention of social media users worldwide. On Valentine’s Day, the city’s anti-drug squad, Escuadron Verde, conducted a raid in which an Policeman Dressed As Giant Capybara tackled a suspected drug trafficker and placed him under arrest.
The unusual approach was part of an undercover strategy used by the police to blend in with festive celebrations and catch criminals off guard.
Video footage of the operation quickly went viral, showing the capybara-costumed officer storming into a residence, forcefully taking down the suspect, and securing him in handcuffs.
The raid led to the seizure of over 1,700 packages of cocaine and marijuana, making it one of the more successful recent drug busts in the region. However, the peculiar sight of a giant rodent leading the charge has left people both amused and impressed by the creativity of Peruvian law enforcement.
Unconventional Tactics in the War on Drugs
Peru’s anti-drug police have long employed unconventional methods to take down drug traffickers, but dressing up as a capybara was a new and unexpected twist.
Colonel Pedro Rojas, the leader of Escuadron Verde, explained that the idea was to use the costume as camouflage, blending in with Valentine’s Day celebrations while executing their operation. According to the police, this tactic helped them gain access to the suspect’s residence without arousing suspicion.
This isn’t the first time Peruvian police officers have disguised themselves for drug raids. In previous operations, officers have dressed as superheroes, including Marvel’s Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor, and Black Widow.
These undercover raids often take place during special occasions such as Halloween, Christmas, and now Valentine’s Day, allowing the police to use festive disguises to surprise their targets.
🚨🇵🇪🚓Capybara undercover: Peruvian police strike again with new detention tactics
— Roberto Botella (@botella_roberto) February 15, 2025
This time, an officer of the National Police of Peru disguised himself as a capybara to apprehend a drug trafficker.
(@geopolitics_live telegram) pic.twitter.com/oWchS0WCva
Last Halloween, for instance, officers disguised as Deadpool and Wolverine conducted a similar operation, seizing 54 bags of cocaine, 850 packets of coca base paste, and a significant amount of cash. The strategy has proven effective, as criminals tend to lower their guard during holidays, making them easier to apprehend.
Public Reactions: Humor and Praise for Capybara Cop
The video of the capybara-clad officer arresting the suspect quickly spread across social media platforms, with many users reacting humorously to the bizarre scene. While some praised the ingenuity of the police, others found the situation outright hilarious, imagining the embarrassment the arrested drug trafficker must have felt.
One user joked, “The drug trafficker must have lost all respect in his community after being arrested by a CAPYBARA. Lol. You cannot write this.” Another quipped, “Well, that’s one way to maintain your cover,” while a third commented, “Thank you, capybara cop, whoever you are. And thank you for giving us a good laugh.”
Despite the humor surrounding the arrest, many social media users also acknowledged the effectiveness of the operation. Some pointed out that the creative use of disguises has helped Peruvian police carry out multiple successful drug busts, demonstrating a level of resourcefulness that other law enforcement agencies might learn from.
The capybara costume, in particular, stood out because of the animal’s cultural significance in South America. The capybara is the world’s largest rodent and is native to the region, often seen as a symbol of tranquility and resilience. Seeing a police officer dressed as such a creature storming into a drug dealer’s home added an extra layer of absurdity to an already unique scenario.
Peru’s Ongoing Battle Against Drug Trafficking
While the sight of a costumed officer arresting a suspect may seem amusing, it highlights a serious issue: the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Peru.
According to the United Nations, Peru remains one of the world’s largest producers of coca leaf, the raw material used to manufacture cocaine. The country’s geographical location, combined with widespread coca cultivation, makes it a key player in the global drug trade.
In response, Peruvian authorities have intensified their crackdown on drug networks, leading to numerous high-profile raids and arrests. Escuadron Verde, the specialized anti-drug unit behind the capybara operation, has been at the forefront of these efforts, using both traditional and unconventional tactics to dismantle criminal organizations.
The success of this latest operation serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies must constantly adapt and innovate to stay ahead of criminals. By using disguises and element of surprise, Peruvian police have managed to conduct raids without alerting suspects, making it easier to apprehend those involved in illegal drug activities.
As creative as their tactics may be, the ultimate goal remains clear: to curb drug trafficking and ensure public safety. The capybara costume may have drawn laughs from the internet, but for the officers involved, it was just another tool in their ongoing mission to fight crime.
The viral video of the capybara cop will likely be remembered for years to come, not just as a source of amusement, but as a testament to the innovative spirit of law enforcement officers willing to go to great lengths—sometimes even dressing as giant rodents—to bring criminals to justice.