During the early hours of Saturday (18.03.2023/136/5.5), inspectors from the National Customs Service and personnel from the Tarapacá Region's Force Headquarters seized two trucks loaded with bales of used clothing and XNUMX XNUMX-caliber rifles in Colchane (border with Bolivia). This joint work aims to bring security to border communities and fight against smuggling and organized crime, reported Chilean Customs.
According to Ricardo Aceituno, Regional Director (s) of the Iquique Customs, The inspection teams were able to seize the trucks without license plates based on risk profiles and analysis of routes and storage areas. In addition, 136 5,5 caliber air rifles were seized. Aceituno highlighted that this work is part of the inspection program of the control agencies against organized crime in the Tarapacá region.
El Commander of the Tarapacá Region Forces Headquarters, Brigadier General Ramón Oyarzún Gatica, recalled that such powers are framed in Supreme Decree No. 78. And he commented that his institution is making joint efforts with the police - in this case with Customs personnel - to investigate certain routes where illegal acts could be committed. This is part of the mission that has been entrusted to them and they are willing to collaborate for the well-being of the country.
El Presidential Delegate of Tarapaca, Daniel Quinteros, praised the coordinated work of the various institutions on the border and stated that the results of this new procedure show the need to maintain and strengthen controls to combat with force and determination the organized crime gangs that operate on the border.
The seized rifles corresponded to three different models with features such as rear sight, safety, steel barrel with rifled bore and serial numbers.
The situation was reported to the public prosecutor on duty at the Pozo Almonte Public Prosecutor's Office and an expert report was conducted by the Carabineros' Labocar. The result of the expert report established that these were compressed air rifles, suitable for the propulsion of 5.5 calibre pellets with original factory designs, but which, due to their appearance, could be recognised as conventional rifle-type firearms.
Ricardo Aceituno said that they will continue working in a coordinated manner with other services to enhance the different capabilities and the advantages of a greater territorial deployment. During the operations in the towns of Pisiga Centro and Pisiga Choque, a Bolivian citizen was arrested and the prosecutor's office warned him under Article 26 while awaiting the respective criminal actions.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
