Carabineros arrested a 40-year-old man in the Metropolitan Region following an operation that uncovered a significant arsenal of firearms and illicit substances. The suspect, who was already wanted on outstanding warrants for fraud, was using a car dealership in the Quilicura district as a front for his criminal activities.
The operation was carried out by the police's Department of Search and Tracking of Persons and Vehicles (SEBV). The investigation was conducted alongside the North-Central Metropolitan Prosecutor's Office, aiming to dismantle criminal gangs involved in arms trafficking in the northern part of the capital.
During the search, officers seized 13 firearms, including pistols, revolvers, and shotguns. The seizure also included air pistols that had been modified to fire lethal projectiles.
The amount of ammunition found was significant for the group's operational capacity. Authorities confirmed the seizure of 766 rounds of various calibers, which were ready for distribution and sale on the black market.
Operation run through dealership front
In addition to the weapons, police found drugs packaged and ready for immediate distribution. Officers also seized three cell phones, a bulletproof vest carrier, and a handmade lockpick, a tool frequently used in robberies.
Authorities confirmed that the detainee used the car business to conduct illegal transactions. According to the investigation, the suspect engaged in bartering weapons for drug shipments to sustain his criminal operations.
The operation spanned the districts of Pudahuel, Huechuraba, and Quilicura, the latter of which served as the suspect's base of operations. Colonel Rodrigo Arroyo, head of the SEBV, stated that investigations are ongoing to identify other accomplices. “We will continue working on these types of crimes. This case is not closed, and we will continue conducting various inquiries to determine links to other criminal organizations,” the officer declared.
The detainee, who has an extensive criminal record, is currently in pretrial detention while the legal process continues.
