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Arrested for Wood Theft in La Araucanía: $3 Million in Forest Resources Seized

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The PDI apprehended two individuals in the act while transporting stolen native wood from a property in Cunco, La Araucanía region.

The Investigative Police (PDI) arrested two men this Saturday after they were caught stealing wood inside a private property in the Villa García area of Cunco, in the La Araucanía region.

The crime was detected thanks to an alert from surveillance workers at Forestal Mininco, who notified the relevant authorities, triggering an operation that culminated in the arrest of those involved and the seizure of assets linked to the illegal activity.

Subprefect Pedro Honorato of the Temuco Criminal Investigation Brigade reported that during the operation, a double-cab pickup truck was intercepted, carrying approximately 8 cubic meters of native wood, along with tools used to commit the theft, all valued at around $3 million pesos. The detainees, who were heading to the commune of Cunco with the intention of selling the forest resource, were placed at the disposal of the Temuco Guarantee Court for detention control, following the instructions of the Public Ministry.

This incident highlights the ongoing fight against natural resource theft in the region, a crime that not only affects property owners but also has a negative impact on the environment and local biodiversity. The swift action of the PDI and the collaboration of Forestal Mininco workers have been key to preventing the loss of valuable natural resources and bringing those responsible to justice.

The investigation is ongoing to determine if there are others involved in the illegal wood trade chain and to implement measures to prevent future thefts. The Cunco community and local authorities remain vigilant and committed to protecting their natural resources.