Guatemala police suspend seven officers amid weapon planting investigation

Seven members of the National Civil Police (PNC), including the head of Comisaría 13, have been suspended from their duties following allegations of weapon planting. The investigation, led by the Public Ministry (MP), examines whether officers planted a firearm during the arrest of Rigoberto and Daniel Choc Toz.

The brothers were initially detained on October 17 following an armed attack at Campo Marte in Guatemala City that killed former prosecutor Juan Francisco Solórzano Foppa and judoka Gustavo Aguilar Gamarro. While the PNC reported seizing a carbine and tactical gear, a judge ordered the brothers' release on October 18, citing a lack of merit in the case.

Investigations have highlighted inconsistencies regarding the seized weapon, police searches, and the handling of the detainees' belongings. To prevent institutional interference, the suspended officers have been reassigned to the Central District while the Inspectorate General and criminal investigators determine the validity of the evidence.