Carabineros arrested 20 people and recovered 23 vehicles reported stolen during the 9th Chile-Bolivia Binational Operation, conducted in the country's northern macrozone between Monday, October 5, and Friday, October 9, 2026.
According to La Tercera, the operation was led by Carabineros' specialized unit for locating wanted people and vehicles (SEBV) and its regional sections. La Tercera identifies it as a Service and ADN Radio as a Department. The results were released on Friday, October 9, and cover actions taken up to 18:00 that day, according to ADN Radio.
Of the 20 people arrested, 11 were detained for receiving stolen vehicles, an offense that involves possessing, buying or selling goods knowing they are stolen. Another five were arrested for violating the Drug Law, and four had outstanding arrest warrants issued by courts.
The police report specifies that 15 of those arrested are adults and five are minors, whose identities were not disclosed. Nine of the 20 people are foreign nationals of various nationalities, which the sources do not specify.
The 23 recovered vehicles comprise nine station wagons, six pickup trucks, five cars, two motorcycles and one vehicle in another category. During the same period, Carabineros seized 769 grams of marijuana.
During the week, police personnel conducted 909 preventive checks: 479 identity checks and 430 vehicle checks. According to ADN Radio, the operation includes coordinated actions between Chile and Bolivia to strengthen checks in the northern area, detect stolen vehicles and prevent drug trafficking, although the sources do not describe what tasks Bolivian police performed.
The only available account is that of Carabineros. The sources do not report which prosecutors' offices took charge of the cases, whether those arrested were formally charged or whether any court ordered precautionary measures. Hearings to review the lawfulness of the arrests are the next judicial step for the 20 people arrested.
