Operation in Antofagasta dismantles criminal gang and captures Colombian with pending sentence
The PDI and the Public Prosecutor's Office detained three people linked to a homicide that occurred approximately one year ago in the Mujeres Unidas settlement. Among those arrested is a Colombian citizen with an active sentence in his country.
Three detained and weapons seized following raids in Antofagasta settlement
The PDI's Homicide Brigade and the Public Prosecutor's Office dismantled part of a criminal organisation linked to a murder committed approximately one year ago in an Antofagasta settlement, meganoticias.cl reported. The operation, which included multiple raids, resulted in three arrests and the seizure of firearms, ammunition, drugs and key evidence.
According to the investigation's findings, the homicide occurred in the context of a dispute between rival gangs known as "Los Caleños" and "Los Chotas", whose confrontation is believed to have originated in a drug robbery. The victim received approximately 18 gunshots.
Colombian with active sentence captured in Chilean territory
One of the principal results of the procedure was the arrest of a Colombian national who maintained an active sentence in Colombia that he was not serving, and who was hiding in Chile. Authorities established that the individual is directly linked to the homicide under investigation and is believed to have used the border crossing as an escape route.
At his residence, ammunition, projectiles and clothing items were found that would correspond to the day of the confrontation between the gangs. These items will be compared with the records and evidence gathered over the past year. The investigation also led to contact with Colombian police, in order to coordinate proceedings to determine how the detainee will serve the pending sentence in his country of origin.
Drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession, other crimes under investigation
As part of the proceedings, additional arrests were executed and judicial orders were issued linked to different crimes. Among the findings is an active arrest warrant against a defendant for drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession, as well as another individual related to illicit drug trafficking.
During the raids, marijuana, cash and items associated with drug dosing were seized. In one of the residences, firearms and ammunition were also found, along with a clothing item considered key to linking one of those under investigation to the events that occurred one year ago.
Public Prosecutor Castro Vecchio leads investigation in the Mujeres Unidas settlement
Public Prosecutor Juan Castro Vecchio is leading the investigation, which involves coordinated work between the Public Prosecutor's Office and the PDI. The proceedings are concentrated in the Mujeres Unidas settlement in Antofagasta, where territorial disputes and confrontations between rival gangs have been recorded. The prosecutor highlighted the investigative and territorial work developed to identify those responsible and locate residences linked to the organisation.
From Monday onwards, the corresponding hearings are expected in Antofagasta, at which point the evidence against the defendants and the precautionary measures they could face will be reviewed. The investigation remains ongoing whilst police teams and the Public Prosecutor's Office continue proceedings to establish the participation of those detained and to determine whether there are others involved in the homicide and in the criminal network's activities.
Source: Google News CL — Crime