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Abstract Carrizales Norte is a heavy-oil development in Colombia’s Llanos Basin targeting the Ubaque Formation, a sequence of permeable sandstones interbedded with shales and mudstones. The reservoir stores significant hydrocarbons but presents challenges, including early water breakthrough and sand production. This paper discusses the results and lessons learned from an 8-horizontal-well development program in this complex reservoir, highlighting the difficulties of managing these geological conditions. Facing challenges with cased and perforated (C&P) wells, the operator initiated detailed evaluations to optimize the lower completion design for horizontal wells, focusing on sanding and high water cut issues to improve project economics. A sand control design study, including large-scale testing, was conducted to select the best standalone screen solution, while a technology assessment determined the most effective water control mechanism. Of the eight wells drilled, five utilized the Autonomous Inflow Control Valve (AICV) technology with direct wire-wrapped screens (DWWS) and bonded swell packers, seamed slotted liners (SSL) were installed in two and one well was completed with a hybrid of SSL and straight slotted liners. The sand control evaluation focused on defining the sand box within the development area by analyzing 35 sand samples from five existing cased and perforated (C&P) wells. The analysis determined the variation in particle size distribution (PSD), particle shape, and composition of fines. Sand retention tests (SRT) were conducted to identify the optimal aperture size and compare the relative performance of seamed slotted liners (SSL) and DWWS. The wells, drilled with lateral lengths ranging from 1,000 to 4,600 ft, faced challenges due to the dipping formation. SSL wells were drilled first, placing them farther from the oil-water contact (OWC), while the Autonomous Inflow Control Valve (AICV) wells were drilled closer to the OWC, in more challenging conditions. The results demonstrated effective sand control, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive sand control design workflow. The AICV wells exhibited superior water control capabilities, successfully managing water production across all wells. SSL wells, even though not achieving the same level of water control as the AICV wells, still exceeded the operator’s original expectation and proved to be a cost-effective sand control means if designed properly. These findings emphasize the significance of selecting appropriate technologies based on reservoir conditions to optimize sand and water management. Field production data highlights the importance of thorough studies and analysis to ensure the success of greenfield developments. The AICV technology has improved reservoir management by improving water-cut behavior in very challenging conditions; exhibiting exceptional water control despite being placed much closer to the OWC. Such results have allowed the operator to optimize the use of water handling facilities and disposal wells, improving project economics. Additionally, this technology helps reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by lowering energy requirements per well, thereby positively influencing both field development and overall project economics.