Chile-Argentina organized‑crime crackdown expands

Timeline

1. 6 days ago

   [CRIME] 72 sources

   Crime sprees hit Latin America: drug busts, shootings and arrests

   Latin American police bust drug shipments, arrest suspects and respond to shootings, including a Buenos Aires cocaine taxi bust, a Santa Fe fuel‑truck seizure, an Arica marijuana raid, a Chilean health minister

2. 8 days ago

   [CRIME] 15 sources

   Chile boosts police crackdowns and emergency aid as severe weather hits the north

   Chile’s municipalities and national forces stepped up joint police raids, migrant checks and drug seizures while mobilizing air‑force aid and rescue teams after severe floods, avalanches and missing‑persones in

3. 19 days ago

   [CRIME] 14 sources

   Chaco province police crackdown seizes hundreds of motorcycles and drugs, arrests dozens

   Chaco police carried out 263 weekend raids, seizing 390 motorcycles, dozens of firearms and cocaine, while arresting 60 people, including a woman caught with hidden cocaine.

4. 19 days ago

   [CRIME] 4 sources

   Chilean police dismantle San Javier drug gang, eight arrested

   Chilean police in San Javier and Villa Alegre raided 15 sites, seized 224 g of cocaine, four guns and cash, and arrested eight people, including a homicide suspect.

5. 20 days ago

   [CRIME] 2 sources

   Police dismantle clandestine motorcycle parts workshop in San Juan and raid false robbery case in Paraná, Argentina

   Argentine police recovered a stolen motorcycle, busted a hidden parts workshop in San Juan, and raided three homes over a false robbery report in Paraná, seizing documents and detaining suspects.

6. 20 days ago

   [POLITICS] 3 sources

   Chile's Carabineros expand helicopter fleet in Tarapacá and Atacama

   Chile's Carabineros introduced an Airbus H145 helicopter in Tarapacá and plan to procure a multipurpose police helicopter for Atacama, boosting regional security and emergency response.

7. 22 days ago

   [CRIME] 2 sources

   Chile shuts down illegal gambling venues in Antofagasta and Coquimbo

   Chile’s Antofagasta and Coquimbo police‑municipal raids shut down illegal mini‑casinos, seizing three venues and 90 machines, confiscating $6 million cash and contraband cigarettes, and detaining suspects.

8. 22 days ago

   [CRIME] 2 sources

   Carabineros arrest suspects in robbery‑related vehicle thefts across Chile

   Chilean police arrested five teens in Temuco after a violent robbery and stolen Mercedes theft, and two adults in Conchalí for attempting a truck robbery and handling unverified goods.

9. 22 days ago

   [CRIME] 4 sources

   Vehicle thefts in Buenos Aires neighborhoods prompt arrests and recoveries

   Argentina police arrested repeat car thief Gastón Cáceres in Ushuaía and captured two suspects who stole a BYD pickup from Fernando Higuaín in Buenos Aires after satellite tracking led to its recovery.

10. 22 days ago

    [CRIME] 3 sources

    Chile cracks Tren de Aragua cell and probes labor trafficking at mining firm

    Chile police busted a Tren de Aragua cell, arresting 35 for drug and money‑laundering offenses, while a separate probe in Pozo Almonte examined a mining firm for possible labor‑trafficking of undocumented forei

11. 23 days ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources

    Chile's Carabineros send 20 trainee officers to Tarapacá and Linares

    Chile's Carabineros deployed two groups of 20 trainee officers to Tarapacá and Linares for field training and public outreach, boosting patrols and informing residents about police careers.

12. 24 days ago

    [CRIME] 10 sources

    Chile's Carabineros seize $357M in drugs and recover dozens of stolen vehicles

    Chile's Carabineros seized $357M in drugs, recovered dozens of stolen vehicles worth $418M, seized weapons, secured multiple arrests and added a new helicopter to boost operations.

13. 24 days ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile police dismantle clandestine gambling house in Coquimbo, seize 90 machines

    Chile police busted an illegal gambling venue in Coquimbo, detaining its Chinese manager and confiscating over 7 million pesos and 90 machines.

14. 24 days ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Jujuy Police Detain Two Suspects After Home Burglary; Phone Heist Remains Unsolved

    Jujuy police arrested two suspects after a home burglary in Alto Comedero, while a separate armed robbery of a mobile phone in Mariano Moreno remains under investigation.

15. 25 days ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Argentina reports shop thefts using distraction tactics in Salta and Río Hondo

    Two separate thefts in Argentina—high‑value perfume robbery in Salta and a bicycle theft in Río Hondo—used distraction tactics while victims served customers; investigations continue.

16. 27 days ago

    [CRIME] 6 sources

    Venezuelan Tren de Aragua member extradited to Chile for murders of Ronald Ojeda and police officer Emmanuel Sánchez

    Venezuelan gang member Dayonis Orozco was extradited from Colombia to Chile to stand trial for the murders of ex‑military Ronald Ojeda and police officer Emmanuel Sánchez, underscoring Chile's crackdown on the跨

17. 28 days ago

    [CRIME] 20 sources

    Police Detain Suspects in Theft Cases Across Argentina and Chile

    Police in Argentina and Chile arrested suspects in numerous thefts, including vehicle robberies, livestock thefts, and a civil‑registry robbery.

18. 28 days ago

    [POLITICS] 8 sources

    Trinidad Steinert exceeded authority in PDI data request, Contraloría rules

    Chile’s Contraloría found ex‑minister Trinidad Steinert illegally requested confidential PDI data on the “Clan Chen” case, breaching the duty of abstention and sparking talk of a constitutional accusation.

19. 29 days ago

    [CRIME] 10 sources

    Colombia extradites Tren de Aragua leaders Larry Changa and Botija to Chile

    Colombia extradited Tren de Aragua cofounder Larry Changa and leader Botija to Chile for kidnapping and homicide charges, highlighting regional cooperation against the gang.

20. 30 days ago

    [CRIME] 26 sources

    Mexico Navy seizes over 1.2 tonnes of cocaine off Chiapas coast

    Mexican navy seized 1.2 tonnes of cocaine off Chiapas, while Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Spain and other countries reported major drug busts, highlighting a regional crackdown on narcotics

21. 30 days ago

    [CRIME] 8 sources

    Chile police record fatal crash, dozens of arrests in weekend traffic crackdown

    Chile police reported a fatal crash on Ruta 68 and, during the long weekend, logged dozens of traffic infractions, 14 arrests in Arica, 19 detentions in Coquimbo, 25 border detainees at Colchane and 11 drivers

22. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources

    Tarapacá legislators demand accountability after $34 million police substation theft in Colchane

    A $34 million cash seizure was stolen from a Carabineros sub‑station in Colchane, Chile, sparking outrage from regional legislators who demand swift investigation, sanctions and better border police resources.

23. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Antofagasta Appeals Court Upholds Pre‑Trial Detention in Failed Million‑Dollar Value‑Transport Heist

    Antofagasta Appeals Court keeps three suspects in preventive detention over a thwarted million‑dollar securities‑transport robbery, citing strong evidence and public‑safety risks.

24. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources

    Venezuelan Tren del Coro Leader Arrested in Colombia for Chilean Femicide Probe

    Chilean police, aided by Interpol, captured a 31‑year‑old Venezuelan leader of the Tren del Coro in Medellín. He faces a Chilean femicide warrant and other serious crimes; extradition to Chile is pending.

25. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile's Los Ríos region records 11.8% drop in major crimes

    Los Ríos, Chile saw an 11.8% drop in major crimes in the first 21 weeks of the year, with 2,924 cases reported—393 fewer than a year earlier—and authorities are implementing enhanced patrols and community‑based

26. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 3 sources

    Chile police dismantle indoor cannabis grow and dismiss officers after drug tests

    Chile police busted an indoor cannabis grow in Temuco and dismissed two Carabineros officers in Biobío after positive drug tests.

27. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 5 sources

    Chile police dismantle migrant trafficking and Chinese crime rings

    Chile's police dismantled a Haitian migrant‑trafficking ring, busted a Chinese‑linked casino and money‑laundering network, extradited a kidnap suspect from Argentina and captured a Venezuelan gang leader in Col

28. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources

    Chile's Tarapacá Police Seize 5 Tonnes of Drugs and Detain Over 1,400 in 2025 Report

    Chile's Tarapacá police reported detaining 1,479 people, seizing 5 tonnes of drugs and dismantling 12 crime groups in 2025, with an 88% homicide clearance rate.

29. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile customs association says officials not involved in deletion of truck‑scanner images

    Chile's customs union says officials had no access to the external contractor's system that deleted 102 truck‑scanner images, including those from a cocaine bust, and calls for an investigation.

30. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile's Police Investigations Service Highlights Record Drug Seizures and Regional Security Gains

    Chile's PDI reported record drug seizures and 316 arrests in Aysén, while Maule officials praised the agency's investigative work and coordination during public accountability sessions.

31. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources

    Chile prison expansion debate sparks local opposition

    Rancagua's mayor opposes a prison expansion announced without local input, while the justice minister cites national overcrowding; a separate hearing in Cochrane examines a possible detention‑center closure, sp

32. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 3 sources

    Chile police agencies deepen cooperation with monument inauguration and municipal partnership

    Chile’s police forces emphasized cooperation, with Limache’s mayor and the PDI celebrating joint security efforts, and Carabineros and PDI unveiling a monolith in Punta Arenas to symbolize their partnership.

33. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Chile expands prison capacity with over 1,000 new places

    Chile’s government signed a framework to add over 1,000 prison places in the Biobío region—285 extra at Biobío Complex and a new 800‑bed facility in Los Ángeles—aiming to curb overcrowding and modernize the pen

34. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Chile detains Bolivian soldiers, uncovers drug‑impregnated wood

    Chile confirmed cocaine‑laden wood from Bolivia and detained five Bolivian soldiers near Colchane, sparking diplomatic tension over border security and drug smuggling.

35. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 31 sources

    Latin American law enforcement seizes tons of narcotics and weapons in coordinated crackdowns

    Law‑enforcement raids across Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Chile, Paraguay, Ecuador and Spain seized tons of drugs, dozens of weapons and arrested many suspects.

36. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources

    Chile Police (PDI) Holds Religious Ceremonies Honoring Fallen Officers

    Chile’s PDI held religious ceremonies in Iquique and Cauquenes, with a Thanksgiving Mass praised by Bishop Covili and a memorial Mass honoring three local martyrs, highlighting police dedication and publictrust

37. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile police detain key suspect in million-dollar Iquique jewelry robbery

    Chilean police arrested a 25‑year‑old suspect who aided a violent, million‑dollar jewelry robbery in Iquique, recovering stolen gold bracelets and continuing the hunt for other gang members.

38. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 12 sources

    Chile police operations detain dozens and seize contraband in regional crackdowns

    Chile’s police carried out dozens of regional operations, detaining over 50 suspects and seizing large contraband shipments, including 72,000 illegal eggs and 710 kg of meat.

39. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Foreign nationals detained for financial crimes in Chile and Peru

    Chile and Peru police arrested foreign nationals— a Peruvian for ATM fraud in Iquique and a Colombian for extortion in Puno—seizing cash, a phone and pressing charges.

40. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources

    Chile discovers illegal bridge over border ditch in Colchane

    Chile’s northern border ditch in Colchane was breached by an illegal bridge used for smuggling, prompting officials to label organized‑crime groups as a powerful adversary and to boost surveillance.

41. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources

    Chile's prison authorities seize contraband in Arica raid as Chanco detention centre closure sparks political backlash

    Chile’s Gendarmería seized phones, knives and drugs in an Arica prison raid, while parliamentarians and local officials protest the planned closure of Chanco detention centre, urging a review.

42. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources

    Chilean police detain suspects in operations across Coquimbo, Algarrobo and Concepción

    Police in Chile arrested six suspects in Coquimbo robberies, five in an Algarrobo drug bust, and seized over 1.5 tonnes of illegal vending goods in Concepción.

43. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile police seize 47 fentanyl ampoules in Ovalle and place trafficker in preventive detention

    Police in Ovalle, Chile, seized 47 fentanyl ampoules and other drugs, arresting a 29‑year‑old trafficker and granting preventive detention amid rising fentanyl concerns.

44. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 3 sources

    Chile detains suspects and seizes assets in two drug‑trafficking network investigations

    Chile prosecutors formalised 16 suspects in an Illapel prison drug network, ordering several to preventive detention, while police in Melipilla seized over 100 million pesos, weapons and vehicles in a family‑dr

45. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Chile honors fallen Carabineros on Martyr Day

    Chile marked the Day of the Martyr of Carabineros with nationwide ceremonies honoring over 1,200 fallen officers, while a Valparaíso police operation led to a suspect’s arrest and a criminal complaint for an on

46. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chilean police detain suspects in vehicle‑theft cases

    Chilean police detained a 25‑year‑old in La Serena after GPS‑tracked stolen accessories and a 36‑year‑old driver in Maule for possessing a vehicle with an active theft warrant.

47. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile police raids result in 13 arrests and detection of six irregular migrants

    Chile's civil police arrested 13 wanted individuals in Biobío and, in a separate raid in Quintero and Puchuncaví, checked 103 people, finding six irregular migrants and two outstanding warrants.

48. about 2 months ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources

    Chile's Carabineros police detains six officers over alleged serious crimes

    Six Carabineros officers were detained and expelled in Talca over alleged serious crimes, with related arrests in Valdivia and Copiapó; police chief Marcelo Araya called the cases grave and emphasized zero‑toll

49. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 7 sources

    Chilean police seize over 70 kilos of drugs in multiple anti‑narcotics raids

    Chilean police seized over 70 kg of marijuana and cocaine in raids in Algarrobo, Machalí and Iquique, arresting nine suspects and confiscating cash and weapons.

50. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources

    Six former Carabineros officers sentenced to preventive detention in Talca, Chile

    Six former Carabineros officers in Talca were placed in preventive detention for forming a criminal network that committed robberies and document fraud while on duty.

51. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources

    Carabineros detain 11 in focused patrol of El Boro, Alto Hospicio

    Carabineros’ focused patrol in El Boro, Alto Hospicio detained 11 people, seized cocaine paste and contraband cigarettes, and officials pledged to repeat such operations region‑wide.

52. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile police seize 330 illegal televisions at border town of Colchane

    Chile’s Carabineros seized 330 televisions smuggled in a truck at Colchane’s border area, detaining the 30‑year‑old driver and handing the goods to customs.

53. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources

    Chile Deploys New Gendarmerie Contingent to Boost Prison Security

    Chile's gendarmerie added 32 new officers to the Talca prison complex and conducted a contraband‑seizure raid at Punta Arenas, highlighting enhanced prison security and human‑rights compliance.

54. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Carabineros boost preventive policing in Quirihue and Temuco neighborhoods

    Carabineros in Quirihue and municipal police in Temuco carried out preventive patrols, community meetings and inspections to address security concerns and violations after resident complaints.

55. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile's Gendarmería seizes over 70 homemade weapons in Arica prison raid

    Chile's Minister of Public Security oversaw a raid at Arica prison, seizing over 70 homemade weapons, phones and cash, part of routine security measures.

56. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 4 sources

    Chile’s PDI seizes drugs, weapons and arrests three in Panquehue operation

    Chile’s PDI raid in Panquehue seized cannabis, cocaine, a modified pistol and ammunition, arresting three adults; officials said the operation will continue.

57. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile police recover 40th stolen vehicle of the year and detain driver

    Chile’s Carabineros in Talca recovered their 40th stolen vehicle this year, detaining a 41‑year‑old Mexican driver for vehicle theft and licence violations.

58. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Carabineros seize firearms and drugs in large La Serena operation

    Carabineros carried out a large raid in La Serena's Las Compañías area, arresting three people, seizing a firearm and drugs, and conducting hundreds of checks to boost neighborhood safety.

59. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 5 sources

    Gendarmería Chile seizes over 800 drug doses in Talca prison raid

    Gendarmería seized over 800 drug doses during a June 3 raid on Talca prison, emphasizing coordinated efforts to curb organized crime inside Chilean penitentiaries.

60. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile police dismantle youth robbery gang in Concepción

    Chile's PDI arrested an adult and three minors in Gran Concepción after a youth gang violently robbed homes, posted videos online and stole weapons and vehicles.

61. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile police shootings spark investigations into legitimacy and internal death case

    Chile police face scrutiny after a Carabineros officer shot a man in Santiago and new evidence clouds the death of Sergeant Javier Figueroa, raising doubts about self‑defence and possible homicide.

62. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 5 sources

    Chilean Carabineros act on robbery case, gun surrender drive and drug bust in June 2026

    Carabineros in Chile secured preventive detention for robbery suspects in Copiapó, promoted a voluntary gun surrender drive in O’Higgins, seized drugs and weapons in a San Felipe raid, and marked a heritage day

63. 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Iquique police detain three youths after foiled armed robbery attempt

    Three youths (15, 17, 21) were arrested in Iquique after a robbery attempt with fake guns; victims escaped, police used CCTV to locate suspects and seized two weapons.

64. 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 3 sources

    Paraguayan suspect detained in Chile for fratricide in Pozo Almonte

    A 43‑year‑old Paraguayan irregular migrant was arrested in Iquique for allegedly beating his brother to death in Pozo Almonte on 21 May; forensic evidence links the single suspect to the fatal injuries.

65. 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Two brothers placed in preventive detention after public shooting in Iquique, Chile

    Brothers (18, 22) detained preventively after firing eight shots and damaging a car in Iquique, Chile; no injuries reported, charges include illegal firearm and public shooting.

66. 3 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources

    Chile's Carabineros probe firearm incidents in Copiapó and La Cisterna

    Chile's Carabineros investigate a police officer brandishing a gun in Copiapó and arrest a foreign couple, seizing a ghost gun, after a shooting in La Cisterna.