News

Positive Security Balance at El Dorado Airport Thanks to Cutting-Edge Technology and Collaborative Efforts by OPAIN and Authorities

• In 2024, important security milestones have been reached at El Dorado Airport thanks to the coordinated work of OPAIN, the National Police, the Anti-Narcotics Police, the Bogotá Security Secretariat, and VISE.
• Among the key results achieved are the arrest of 446 individuals, the seizure of more than 2 tons of cocaine hydrochloride, and 421 kilograms of marijuana. 
• The Bogotá Metropolitan Police have made 105 arrests in flagrante delicto and 79 under court orders for various offenses in the vicinity of El Dorado Airport.

Bogotá D.C., December 2024. OPAIN, the National Police, the Anti-Narcotics Police, the Bogotá Security Secretariat, and the airport's security company, VISE, are working collaboratively to prevent and detect criminal activities at El Dorado.

Thanks to the implementation of state-of-the-art technology, including advanced monitoring systems, artificial intelligence for detecting suspicious behavior, high-definition cameras, and enhanced control mechanisms, El Dorado is becoming a safer space for its users. Additionally, joint monitoring and control operations are carried out, strengthening surveillance at strategic points throughout the airport, both in public areas and in restricted access zones.

In this context, the National Police, through its Anti-Narcotics Directorate, has achieved significant results in its fight against drug trafficking this year at El Dorado. The authorities have made 446 arrests of individuals with international destinations, as well as seized 2 tons and 88 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and 421 kilograms of marijuana. These actions have dealt a significant blow to the financial operations of drug trafficking organizations, limiting their operational and logistical capabilities.

The Anti-Narcotics Police have also activated the "167 Antidrugs" hotline, a direct communication channel for citizens to confidentially report any suspicious activity related to drug trafficking.

“The Anti-Narcotics Directorate of the Colombian National Police continues to strengthen its commitment to the goals established by the National Government in the fight against alkaloid trafficking. Through the Airport Control Area and in collaboration with OPAIN, we have implemented effective strategies to ensure a safer airport. Aligned with the Institutional Strategic Plan and the Fourth Institutional Horizon, as well as comprehensive and dynamic international cooperation, the Anti-Narcotics Directorate reaffirms its commitment to protecting national and international security, ensuring that every link in the logistics chain remains free of illicit activities,” stated Hector Fabio Toro Zapata, Commander of the Anti-Narcotics Port and Airport Control Company in Bogotá.

“We will spare no effort to achieve greater security at El Dorado Airport. The coordinated work between the Bogotá Mayor's Office, the Metropolitan Police, and the airport staff has been strengthened in terms of prevention and control, with the aim of protecting all visitors arriving in our city, our home,” said Cesar Restrepo, Bogotá Security Secretary.

As part of this commitment, El Dorado is implementing a deterrent signage campaign at key points throughout the airport, featuring messages encouraging users to report any suspicious activity. These signs include a contact number for real-time reports and a QR code that provides further details discreetly and anonymously. This initiative, aligned with international security best practices, reinforces a culture of reporting unusual or suspicious events, inviting the public to play an active role in creating a secure environment.

“The collaborative work between OPAIN and the authorities, along with our investment in technology and security personnel, contributes to achieving our goal of a safer airport, where user trust and crime prevention are essential for providing a peaceful experience for all travelers,” stated Natalí Leal, General Manager of OPAIN.

“As part of our mission to protect our operations, we are committed to actively participating and strengthening joint actions to ensure a secure airport. For this reason, our personnel continuously identify and report suspicious situations in cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Police,” said Diana Marcela Carrasquilla García, Human Talent Manager at VISE.

The safety of all citizens and visitors is a top priority. We will continue working together with a firm commitment to protecting our users, promoting an atmosphere of trust and peace at the country's main airport.

PRESS CONTACTS

Natalia Pinto Celis
Head of Communications, El Dorado
npinto@eldorado.aero

Juan Perdomo
Account Manager, Modum
juan.perdomo@modum.com.co
Cell: +57 321 266 7199