Colombia Government: 152 Gangs in Medellin

Colombian authorities have indentified 152 gangs operating in Medellin, according to a report by Caracol citing a government intelligence report. The groups, which have between 30 and 300 members, earn up to $10 million per year, the government’s report states. They make their money by selling drugs at the local level or offering security or transportation services to stronger groups. The two most powerful structures work for Valenciano and Sebastian, the report states, two members of the Oficina de Envigado who are currently at war over lucrative drug trafficking routes, depots and sales-points in and around the city. The violence has led the governor to consider calling a state of emergency for the city.