Chilean police dismantle San Javier drug gang, eight arrested

Police investigators from the San Javier prosecutor's office and the PDI carried out a coordinated operation that raided 15 locations in San Javier and Villa Alegre. More than 100 detectives from the Maule, O’Higgins, Ñuble, Biobío and Metropolitan regions participated.

The raids resulted in the arrest of eight suspects, the seizure of 224.25 g of cocaine base (about 2,200 doses), four firearms, ammunition, five security vests, 574 000 CLP in cash and a Toyota Rush used for distribution. The operation also captured the main suspect in a qualified homicide that occurred earlier in the year.

Prosecutor Patricio Caroca said the group “dedicated itself to selling various drugs, used firearms, involved minors and intimidated local residents.” Subprefect Eduardo Fariña highlighted the extensive investigative work of the MT‑0 team of the Bicrim San Javier that enabled the dismantling of the criminal structure.