Video of alias Bendito Menor passing armed on the roads of La Guajira and passing through the authorities' checkpoints

A video has surfaced showing alias Bendito Menor, the alleged leader of the Autodefensas Conquistadores de la Sierra Nevada, traveling armed through roads in La Guajira while passing through police checkpoints. The footage, shared on social media, depicts him driving a truck wearing military-style clothing and appearing heavily armed. In the video, he appears to shout “¡curso, curso!” to a uniformed officer, a greeting used among military personnel who have trained together. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between criminal groups and state authorities in northern Colombia. Bendito Menor, whose real name is Naim Pérez Toncel, continues to challenge law enforcement despite repeated efforts to track his movements. The video was posted under his social media account, which has previously shared images from locations such as Barranquilla’s La Ventana de los Campeones and the Malecón del Río. He also posted a photo of himself inside a shopping mall, prompting authorities to investigate its authenticity. In the latest clip, the vehicle carrying Bendito Menor passes through a checkpoint without encountering resistance. The officer to whom he addresses the greeting does not appear to question him or request identification. This moment underscores the perceived impunity enjoyed by certain criminal leaders in the region. The video suggests that Bendito Menor maintains a visible presence in La Guajira, a key area for drug trafficking and illegal mining activities. The situation has drawn attention from national political figures. President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella has ordered his designated defense minister, General Jorge Mora, to include Bendito Menor in a list of high-value targets for capture or elimination once he assumes power. This directive comes after previous attempts by the current government to negotiate with the group under the “Paz Total” program. However, Bendito Menor reportedly refused to comply with the conditions required for participation in peace talks, continuing his operations in the region. De La Espriella has given criminals until August 7 to surrender or face consequences. His message to the defense ministry emphasizes the need to dismantle organized crime networks operating in La Guajira and other coastal regions. The president-elect has made it clear that those who refuse to comply will face legal action. Bendito Menor's continued visibility poses challenges for security forces attempting to disrupt his operations. His ability to move freely through controlled areas raises concerns about the effectiveness of current counter-narcotics strategies. Analysts suggest that his actions could influence other criminal factions, potentially leading to increased violence or shifts in regional power dynamics. Authorities continue to monitor his online activity, seeking evidence to confirm the authenticity of the recent video. If verified, the footage would represent another instance of Bendito Menor leveraging social media to assert dominance over both rival gangs and government institutions. His presence in La Guajira remains a focal point for law enforcement, as officials work to strengthen surveillance and improve coordination between different agencies tasked with combating organized crime.