Chile Seizes Record Over 100 Tons of Cocaine and Ketamine Hidden in Timber Shipments

Chilean authorities announced the seizure of more than 100 tons of illicit drugs—including cocaine and ketamine—concealed in timber cargo bound for European markets. The operation, conducted at the ports of San Antonio, Valparaíso and Arica, involved the national prosecutor’s office, the navy’s maritime police, and customs officials. Officials described the haul as the largest drug seizure in Chile’s history and estimated its street value at roughly $8.3 billion.

The drugs were smuggled by packing them into logs, a method that would have required sophisticated chemical processing to extract the substances once they reached their destination. Investigators said the examination of additional suspect containers is ongoing, which could raise the total quantity seized.