Peruvian police arrested a suspected drug dealer in Lima after carrying out an undercover operation in which two officers disguised themselves as World Cup mascots.

According to Colonel Carlos Alcántara, head of the Green Squadron unit that focuses on combating common crime, investigators identified the suspect, 48-year-old Carlos Cabrera, as an enthusiastic football fan who was closely following the World Cup.

Believing that World Cup-themed characters would allow officers to approach the suspect without attracting attention, police deployed agents dressed as Clutch, the bald eagle representing the United States, and Maple, the moose representing Canada.

During the operation, the disguised officers, accompanied by other police personnel, forced entry into the property using a metal sledgehammer and proceeded with the arrest.Authorities reported that they seized 2,524 packets of cocaine base as well as a firearm during the raid.

Under Peruvian law, micro-trafficking offences involving certain quantities of cocaine base can result in prison sentences ranging from three to seven years.

The operation reflects a broader strategy sometimes used by Peruvian police, who have previously employed unusual disguises to conduct arrests and surprise suspects.

Past undercover operations have involved officers dressed as fictional and holiday characters such as the Grinch, Freddy Krueger, Deadpool, Wolverine and Santa Claus.

Police officials stated that the mascot costumes helped officers get close to the suspect without raising suspicion, contributing to the success of the operation.