Carabineros Dismantles Foreign Drug Trafficking Ring, Seizing Over 246 Kilos of Narcotics in Atacama
In a remarkable feat of law enforcement, the Carabineros of the Specialized Section of OS7 Atacama have successfully dismantled a criminal organization made up of four Colombian nationals, who were transporting more than 246 kilograms of marijuana and cocaine base. This operation, part of the preventive reinforcement on secondary roads, has prevented nearly 500,000 doses of drugs from reaching the Metropolitan Region.
Arrest and Drug Seizure by Carabineros
The operation took place on Route 5 North, at kilometer 732, in the commune of Copiapó. According to Lieutenant Colonel Marcelo Ramírez Palma, the drugs were hidden in the structure of a truck coming from the north of the country. The detection was made possible thanks to the participation of the specialized canine GORKY, who helped uncover the 239 kilograms and 150 grams of marijuana and 7 kilograms and 200 grams of cocaine base, distributed in multiple packages.
The total value of the shipment was estimated at 1,542,900,000 pesos, according to the Acting Prefect of the Atacama Prefecture. In addition to the drugs, two vehicles were seized, a Nissan NP300 pickup truck and a Chevrolet NPR 815 tow truck, which were used for the illegal transportation.
Preventive Detention for the Suspects
The detainees, identified as C.J.G.R. (34 years old), H.J.I.E. (20 years old), C.A.M.V. (27 years old) and F.M.I. (70 years old), were all in an irregular migratory situation. They were brought before the Guarantee Court of Copiapó.
Prosecutor Leonel Ibacache formalized the charges against them for violation of Article 3 of Law 20,000, which regulates drug trafficking. During the hearing, the court ordered the preventive detention of the four defendants, considering that their freedom represented a danger to society, given the coordination and logistics used in the crime.
Conclusion
This successful operation by the Carabineros of Chile has dealt a significant blow to the operations of a foreign criminal organization involved in the illicit drug trade. The seizure of over 246 kilograms of marijuana and cocaine base, along with the arrest of the suspects, has prevented a large quantity of narcotics from reaching the streets and causing harm to the community. The Carabineros’ dedication and expertise in dismantling such sophisticated drug trafficking networks is a testament to their commitment to maintaining public safety and upholding the law.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the scourge of drug trafficking and its devastating consequences. The Carabineros’ success in this operation is a significant victory in the fight against organized crime and the illicit drug trade.
