Police in Peru carried out a highly unusual raid on a suspected drug den after officers disguised themselves as World Cup mascots to surprise and arrest a football-obsessed suspect.
The dramatic operation unfolded in the capital city of Lima, where officers stormed a property linked to a suspected drug dealer believed to be a passionate football fan closely following World Cup culture.
Authorities revealed that intelligence gathered prior to the raid indicated the suspect’s strong interest in football, prompting officers to design a disguise plan aimed at avoiding suspicion during the approach.
Two officers dressed as colourful mascots — inspired by Maple the Moose and Clutch the Bald Eagle — approached the premises before using a metal tool to breach the entrance gate.
Such unconventional tactics reflect a growing trend among Peruvian law enforcement, who have previously used creative disguises in similar high-risk operations to gain the element of surprise.
Once inside, officers quickly removed their mascot heads and chased the suspect through the building, with footage showing a chaotic pursuit as the operation escalated inside the apartment block.
The suspect was eventually subdued and arrested after being forced to the ground and handcuffed by the disguised officers.
During the raid, police discovered a firearm, a knife and multiple packages of illegal drugs concealed in a bin bag inside the property.
Authorities also seized drug-related paraphernalia, including packaging materials and other items believed to be used in distribution activities.
Officials said the suspect did not appear to suspect anything unusual despite the officers’ oversized costumes, even though Peru was not participating in the football tournament associated with the mascots.
The successful operation highlights the increasing use of unconventional policing strategies in South America, where authorities have previously used superhero costumes and carnival disguises in similar busts.
Peruvian police have in past operations dressed as comic book characters and even superheroes such as Wolverine and Deadpool to apprehend suspects in drug-related and theft cases.
Officials said such creative approaches have proven effective in catching suspects off guard, particularly during large public events or in densely populated urban areas.
The latest raid has once again drawn attention to the country’s distinctive and theatrical approach to law enforcement operations.
