Three police officers in Suriname have been suspended from duty following the escape of a Colombian suspect from the central police station's holding cells.
The incident involves Jorge Eliecer Ariza Ortega, a suspect in a high-profile drug submersible case, who managed to flee custody at the Centrum police bureau.
The suspensions were ordered by the police leadership as part of an internal investigation into the breach.
The officers placed on administrative leave include first-class police officer S.K., along with two probationary officers, B.J. and D.C. The Internal Disciplinary Affairs department (ITZ) initiated the measures to ensure the integrity of the ongoing inquiry.
The escape of Ortega, who is wanted in connection with illicit maritime drug trafficking, highlights vulnerabilities in the detention facilities.
The incident has drawn attention to security standards within the Surinamese police force, particularly regarding the handling of high-risk detainees involved in organized crime.