Authorities in northern Chile are on alert following a surge in drug trafficking attempts, with recent police operations resulting in the seizure of over 90 kilograms of narcotics and the arrest of 11 individuals. The increased activity underscores the challenges facing law enforcement in combating the flow of illicit substances into the country.
One of the most significant cases involved the arrest of a Colombian national illegally residing in Chile, who was found transporting approximately 80 kilograms of drugs in a vehicle headed towards the city of Antofagasta, according to police reports.
In a separate incident, authorities discovered a truck abandoned near the border containing nearly 10 kilograms of drugs. Police are working to identify those responsible for the shipment.
Concerns are as well growing about drug activity within schools, as three students were arrested for allegedly selling drugs at a local educational institution.
A particularly notable case occurred at a local jail, where a prison guard detected a Bolivian woman attempting to smuggle 101 grams of ketamine concealed on her person for an inmate. A subsequent search of the woman’s home uncovered approximately one kilogram of various drugs, including marijuana, pasta base, cocaine, and ketamine.
The recent operations led to the detention of 11 people, including citizens of Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, and Venezuela, who have been turned over to the justice system, police said.
