Peruvian police in Lima conducted an unusual drug raid on Wednesday, disguising officers as 2026 World Cup mascots to catch a suspected dealer. Video from the operation shows personnel dressed as Clutch the Bald Eagle and Maple the Moose breaking through a gate with a battering ram before arresting the target and seizing white powder packets and a firearm.

Colonel Carlos Fredy Alcántara Obregón explained that intelligence revealed the suspect was a passionate football fan living for World Cup excitement. The Green Squad commander said disguising officers as mascots allowed them to approach without raising suspicion. The raid concluded with the arrest of a man known as "Pichichi," according to the police TikTok post.

This creative law enforcement tactic builds on previous unconventional approaches by Peruvian authorities. On Valentine's Day 2025, an officer wore a capybara costume with a turtle backpack during another drug arrest. Other officers have previously posed as Marvel superheroes during operations.

Peru's absence from the World Cup adds irony to the story, as the nation failed to qualify after finishing ninth among ten CONMEBOL teams. Their last World Cup appearance was in 2018, making this mascot-themed operation a reminder of missed football opportunities while showcasing innovative policing methods.