Published • loading... • Updated
Police use mascot disguises to target 'die-hard football fan' suspected of drug trafficking
Officers said intelligence showed the suspect was a World Cup fan, allowing them to approach him unnoticed at a market area.
- On Thursday, Peruvian police in Lima arrested an alleged drug dealer nicknamed 'Pichichi' by disguising themselves as 2026 World Cup mascots Maple, Zayu, and Clutch. Footage shows the costumed officers chasing and nabbing the suspect on a building rooftop.
- Carlos Fredy Alcántara Obregón, head of the Green Squad, cited intelligence identifying the suspect as a 'die-hard football fan,' noting officers utilized the mascot ruse to approach him without arousing suspicion.
- The 2026 World Cup features mascots Maple representing Canada, Zayu from Mexico, and Clutch for the USA; police have previously utilized unconventional costumes, including Marvel superheroes and capybaras.
- Peru failed to qualify for this year's tournament, finishing ninth out of 10 teams in CONMEBOL standings, though officers recovered a firearm and white powder during the raid.
- Although Peru missed the upcoming finals, the nation has a storied World Cup history, having reached the quarterfinals in 1970 and 1978 and participated in five total tournaments.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
41 Articles
41 Articles
Associated Press News+11 Reposted by 11 other sources
Peru police disguised as World Cup mascots arrest a suspected drug dealer in Lima
Two Peruvian police officers disguised as World Cup mascots Clutch and Maple have helped to arrest a suspected drug dealer in Lima.
·New York, United States
Read Full Article
The police officers dressed as eagles and moose did not arouse suspicion in the soccer-mad suspect.
Some Peruvian police officers conducted an operation to stop a drug dealer masked from mascots from the 2026 World Cup. Suspect is a football fan.
·Portugal
Read Full Article
The Peruvian National Police fancied to arrest an alleged drug trafficker in Lima. The agents knew that the goal was a soccer enthusiast and decided to show up at their home disguised as Clutch and Maple, two of the three pets of the World Cup that has just begun in North America and represent the United States and Canada.
·Barcelona, Spain
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources41
Leaning Left13Leaning Right4Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Left
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources lean Left
54% Left
L 54%
C 29%
R 17%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
