Carlos Palacios gave statement to PDI over vehicle used to transport cocaine
The Boca Juniors midfielder gave a statement to Chile's Anti-Narcotics Brigade over a Mercedes-Benz registered in his name linked to drug trafficking. His father-in-law is in preventive detention as the alleged person responsible for the vehicle's use.
Palacios at the PDI: his vehicle allegedly used to transport over 1,400 kilos of drugs
Chilean footballer Carlos Palacios, midfielder for Boca Juniors, presented himself before the Anti-Narcotics Brigade of the Police of Investigations (PDI) in Chile as part of an investigation into drug trafficking. According to radiorafaela.com.ar, the case involves a Mercedes-Benz vehicle registered in the player's name, which allegedly was used to transport cocaine paste.
Palacios spent approximately two hours at the police premises, accompanied by his lawyer, Felipe Moraga. The case file includes seizures of illicit substances that would exceed 1,400 kilos, and the footballer's father-in-law, identified as the person who allegedly operated the vehicle, is detained in preventive custody.
The player arrived with his face covered and expressed his discomfort to journalists awaiting his arrival. "Take the microphone away from my face," he complained to reporters. When asked about the reasons for his appearance, he responded ironically that he had come "because I came to watch yesterday's match," referring to the game between Ñublense and Colo-Colo played in Chillán. After concluding his statement, he left without offering further explanation.
Without formalisation or precautionary measures
Following the appearance, his lawyer Moraga clarified the scope of his client's procedural situation: Palacios was not formally charged nor does he face precautionary measures. The Public Prosecutor's summons was aimed at having the footballer provide documentation related to the vehicle's purchase and clarify its registration status, also with a view to the possible recovery of the vehicle.
According to Moraga, Palacios purchased the automobile legally, through a loan and the delivery of another vehicle as part of the payment. After relocating to Argentina during 2025 to join Boca Juniors, he left the vehicle at a family property in Santiago de Chile.
Regarding the alleged use of the vehicle to transport narcotics, the lawyer argued that his client was unaware of those activities. "Without his authorisation, without his consent, it is used by this person, his father-in-law. Carlos finds out about everything because of a news report, when this gentleman is already detained," Moraga stated.
Sports and institutional repercussions
Palacios's presence in Chile occurred in the context of celebrations for Boca Juniors' championship. The midfielder had travelled to visit his children and attend the match between Colo-Colo and Ñublense in Chillán. His appearance in the television broadcast of the match allegedly contributed to accelerating his summons by the Public Prosecutor, disrupting his plans to return to Buenos Aires.
The episode also had consequences in the professional sphere. Moraga noted that the situation caused problems for the footballer even after winning the title with the Xeneize. "It created many work problems for him. They have just become champions in Argentina, they are happy, but evidently the club president, Juan Román Riquelme, does not find this situation very pleasant," the lawyer declared.
The investigation continues in Chile. Palacios's procedural situation will need to be differentiated from the potential liability determined with respect to those allegedly using the vehicle for activities linked to drug trafficking.
Source: Google News CL — Crime