Chile Enhances Port Surveillance to Combat Organized Crime Activities
In a significant move to combat organized crime, Chile has announced the establishment of five specialized prosecutors' offices aimed at enhancing surveillance and investigations in its ports. Two of these units will be strategically positioned in the Northern macro zone, covering the regions from Arica and Parinacota to Tarapacá, and another from Antofagasta to Coquimbo, both areas notorious for high crime rates.
Additionally, a unit will operate in the central zone, focusing on the port of San Antonio in Valparaiso, which has been identified as a key non-traditional maritime route for drug trafficking to Europe and the United States, as highlighted in the United Nations' 2023 drug trafficking report.
The National Prosecutor’s Office of Chile has confirmed that the remaining two offices will oversee the Southern macro zones, further strengthening the country's efforts against organized crime.
These specialized prosecutors will coordinate their efforts with the Organized Crime and Drugs Unit, alongside the Criminal Analysis and Investigative Focuses System. They will also receive support from various offices, including those combating Money Laundering, Economic Crimes, and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Unit.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the increasing use of ports by national and transnational criminal networks for smuggling drugs and weapons. A recent incident in July saw the seizure of 400 kilos of cocaine at the maritime terminal in Algeciras, Spain, destined for Chile, highlighting the critical need for enhanced surveillance and enforcement in the region.