<p>Peruvian authorities executed a unique undercover operation on December 23, employing a police agent dressed as Father Christmas to infiltrate a dangerous neighbourhood near Lima. The plan led to&nbsp;the successful bust of a small drug ring operating in Huaral, approximately 70km north of Lima.</p>

<p>Colonel Walter Palomino, head of the National Police Green Squadron, told AFP&nbsp;that an agent&nbsp;used the guise of Santa Claus to blend into the&nbsp;surroundings. The operation, dubbed a success, resulted in the arrest of two people&nbsp;involved in the illicit drug trade. Palomino humorously remarked, "Christmas came to the Evil Reindeer," referring to the seasonal nickname for the criminal gang.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colorado-mall-shooting-one-dead-two-critically-injured-in-fight-between-two-groups-673244">Also read |&nbsp;Colorado mall shooting: One dead, two critically injured in fight between two groups</a></p>

<h2><strong>Sledgehammer entry and drug bust</strong></h2>

<p>During the secret&nbsp;mission, the police officer disguised as the iconic white-bearded Santa Claus forcibly entered a house with a large sledgehammer, arresting one of the suspects.</p>

<p>Contrary to festive cheer, the operation yielded the confiscation of numerous packets of cocaine paste and marijuana. The police did not disclose specific details regarding the quantity or value of the seized drugs.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p>One of the arrested&nbsp;was presented to the media under the alias "The Grinch," inspired by the fictional character created by US children's author Dr Seuss.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-christmas-a-thing-of-the-past-uk-sees-its-warmest-christmas-eve-in-more-than-a-decade-673231">Also read | White Christmas: A thing of the past? UK sees its warmest Christmas eve in more than a decade</a></p>

<p>Peruvian law enforcement, operating in one of the world's leading cocaine-producing nations, has a tradition of using disguises during anti-drug operations, often timed to coincide with special dates.</p>

<p>Halloween and Christmas have become occasions for police to employ creative disguises, ensuring the element of surprise in their efforts to combat drug-related crime.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Kerala: The sweet story of India's 'oldest' Christmas cake</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kerala-the-sweet-story-of-indias-oldest-christmas-cake-672768/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>This festive-themed operation follows a pattern established in previous years. In 2022, before Christmas, police in Lima donned Santa and elf costumes, resulting in the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of 6,000 packets of cocaine paste.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Peruvian authorities executed a unique undercover operation on December 23, employing a police agent dressed as Father Christmas to infiltrate a dangerous neighbourhood near Lima.

Peruvian authorities executed a unique undercover operation on December 23, employing a police agent dressed as Father Christmas to infiltrate a dangerous neighbourhood near Lima. The plan led to the successful bust of a small drug ring operating in Huaral, approximately 70km north of Lima. Colonel Walter Palomino, head of the National Police Green Squadron, told AFP that an agent used the guise of Santa Claus to blend into the surroundings. The operation, dubbed a success, resulted in the arrest of two people involved in the illicit drug trade. Palomino humorously remarked, "Christmas came to the Evil Reindeer," referring to the seasonal nickname for the criminal gang. Also read | Colorado mall shooting: One dead, two critically injured in fight between two groups Sledgehammer entry and drug bust During the secret mission, the police officer disguised as the iconic white-bearded Santa Claus forcibly entered a house with a large sledgehammer, arresting one of the suspects. Contrary to festive cheer, the operation yielded the confiscation of numerous packets of cocaine paste and marijuana. The police did not disclose specific details regarding the quantity or value of the seized drugs. Watch the video here: × One of the arrested was presented to the media under the alias "The Grinch," inspired by the fictional character created by US children's author Dr Seuss. Also read | White Christmas: A thing of the past? UK sees its warmest Christmas eve in more than a decade Peruvian law enforcement, operating in one of the world's leading cocaine-producing nations, has a tradition of using disguises during anti-drug operations, often timed to coincide with special dates. Halloween and Christmas have become occasions for police to employ creative disguises, ensuring the element of surprise in their efforts to combat drug-related crime. Also read | Kerala: The sweet story of India's 'oldest' Christmas cake This festive-themed operation follows a pattern established in previous years. In 2022, before Christmas, police in Lima donned Santa and elf costumes, resulting in the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of 6,000 packets of cocaine paste. (With inputs from agencies)

Sleighing crime: 'Santa-cop' raids drug ring in Peruvian festive sting. Watch

Thousands of bystanders watched from streets and bridges around the city and organisers said around 500 kayaks moved along the canal for a parade to bring light into the darkness.

Denmark: Festive kayaks light up Copenhagen's canals

The Canadians are feeling the pinch of rising prices with a festive season. Watch this video to know more.

Inflation hits Canada hard this Thanksgiving

Christmas 2022 in London: Everyone is looking for great spots to spend their Christmas. There are various spots where you can enjoy the Christmas markets and lights in London.

Christmas 2022 in London: Everyone is looking for great spots to spend their Christmas. There are various spots where you can enjoy the Christmas markets and lights in London. Here is a selection of places that have been carefully chosen to make you feel merry this Christmas 2022. 1. Covent Garden View this post on Instagram A post shared by Covent Garden (@coventgardenldn) × Covent Garden Square is perhaps the most festive location in all of London during the holidays. The famous 60-foot Christmas tree would be lighted up with 30,000 shimmering lights, bathing the cobblestones in a festive glow in addition to the giant ornaments and mistletoe-styled decorations hanging from the market rooftop. 2. Kew Gardens View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kew Gardens (@kewgardens) × As you wander around Kew Gardens' Christmas path, you may take in the astounding variety of audio-visual performances. Along this two-kilometer walk, there are almost a million lights that sparkle in the shrubs and trees, and there is a sparkling bell tunnel. Along the way, one can stop for hot chocolate, cakes, roasted chestnuts, mini doughnuts, marshmallows, and other snacks. Santa and his elves are present, along with vintage carnival games and lighting displays. Visitors may enjoy the yearly events after dark while marvelling at the sparkling light tunnels, bouncing lakeside shadows, and jewel-like-hued trees. 3. Oxford Street The three avenues that receive the most attention for lighting displays in London—Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street—are among the best places to see these breathtaking bursts of glimmer. This broad boulevard is a great place to do Christmas shopping in addition to giving more than 1700 installations to admire. 4. Ice Skating at Somerset House View this post on Instagram A post shared by Somerset House (@somersethouse) × At one of the several outdoor ice rinks in the city, glide through this holiday season. There are several options, but Skate at Somerset House may be the most well-known in London. This year, it's turning up the heat (or, more appropriately, the freezing power), with a larger skate area situated in the neo-classical courtyard of the estate. To keep the party going late into the night, there will be food, beverages, and rinkside DJs. 5. London’s Leicester Square festive fair Christmas Markets Christmas markets are in full swing right now, and locals have a tonne of options for the best street food, drunken pop-up bars, and sparkling baubles. This winter, several of these renowned markets are returning, including the festive fair in downtown London's Leicester Square, the Covent Garden Christmas market with its fabled 60-foot tree, and the holiday treats along the Thames at the Southbank Center.

Christmas 2022 in London: 5 best places to visit and things to do in London to celebrate Christmas eve

It is usually a busy time of the year for ski resorts but due to a rise in Omicron cases and a reintroduction of restrictive measures in various parts of the world, this festive season isn't looking merry for those in the skiing business.

Skiing season in array due to Omicron spread & reintroduction of restrictive measures

Despite the virus care and a spike in infections, New Yorkers are gearing up for a cheerful celebration as the city has sprinkled decorations across the streets.

New York City welcomes the festive season as the city has sprinkled decorations across the streets

New York welcomes the festive season as the city has sprinkled decorations across the streets

As Christmas and the festive season approach, the world is getting ready into celebration moods. Fireworks have lit up Bethlehem sky.

The world is getting ready to mark the festive season

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