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PDI Arrests a Man in Los Lagos for Timber Theft and Illegal Possession of Weapons

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The Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) arrested a man in the commune of Los Lagos, Los Ríos Region, for his involvement in an illegal tree-cutting operation and the illegal possession of firearms.

The arrest followed an investigation led by the Timber Theft Investigation Team (SUMA) of the Criminal Investigation Brigade (Bicrim) of Valdivia, in response to a complaint about a forced entry into a property and the theft of timber.

The investigation began after reports of an illegitimate incursion into a property in the Quimel area, where the now-detained individual, along with other unidentified persons, allegedly knocked down the access gate to establish a clandestine timber extraction operation. At the scene, the PDI managed to locate and arrest the alleged perpetrator, who had reportedly cut down and removed approximately 250 eucalyptus trees.

During the arrest, detectives seized a Kia-brand truck, 7 meters of loaded eucalyptus timber, a chainsaw, and two rifles. According to Commissioner Gerardo Lillo of Bicrim Valdivia, the weapons were used by the suspects to intimidate and "repel the actions of regulatory authorities."

The total value of the seized items, including the truck, timber, and weapons, exceeds 30 million pesos. The detainee, who had no prior criminal record, will be presented to the Public Prosecutor's Office for formal charges related to timber theft, illegal possession of firearms, and property damage.