Carabineros seize 24 kg of cocaine on Route 5 Sur in Chimbarongo, detain suspect and recover cash

During the early hours of Tuesday, a coordinated Carabineros operation on the Route 5 Sur removed a substantial cocaine shipment from the streets of the O'Higgins region. The intervention began at approximately 03:30 when police spotted a vehicle at kilometer 140 near Chimbarongo. After the driver noticed the patrol, the car accelerated southward, prompting a pursuit that ended at kilometer 157.2 where the occupants abandoned the automobile and fled on foot.

The follow‑up search led to the discovery of concealed packages along the highway between kilometers 140 and 147. Specialized OS7 units processed the material, confirming the presence of 24 kilograms of pasta base of cocaine, equivalent to 24,720 individual doses with a street value exceeding 49 million pesos. In addition to the drugs, officers seized the vehicle—registered to the detained woman—and $327,690 in cash.

The detained individual is a 47‑year‑old Chilean woman, identified by the initials M.E.U.M., who had no prior arrest warrants. She was placed at the disposal of the San Fernando Guarantee Court following instructions from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Two other participants managed to escape and remain under investigation.

The operation underscores the importance of rapid response in preventing large‑scale drug distribution within the region. Local authorities highlighted that the seizure not only removes a significant quantity of illicit substances but also disrupts the financial flow of trafficking networks operating in the area.