Operation in Temucuicui: Prosecutor's Office Points to New Arrests After Five Detentions

A police operation carried out in the Temucuicui community, in Ercilla, resulted in five arrests and opened new lines of investigation into violent crimes in the La Araucanía region. The action, led by Carabineros with support from the Army, took place during the early hours of Wednesday and allowed the seizure of drugs, weapons, and various items linked to criminal offenses.

Among those arrested is Aliwenko Queipul Huenchullán, 18, who will be formally charged with robbery with intimidation, arson attack, and unjustified shootings in a public place. His parents, Rosa Huenchullán (45) and Luis Queipul (55), will face charges for receiving a motor vehicle. The three will be brought before the Collipulli Court for a detention hearing.

Regional prosecutor Roberto Garrido confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and did not rule out further arrests. According to police sources, Aliwenko's twin brother, Aukaman Queipul Huenchullán, and his partner Nayadeth Anaís Millanao Millape (19) are at large.

The operation included the search of three homes, where cell phones, bulletproof vests, and illicit substances were seized.

General Cristian Mansilla Varas, head of the Public Order Control Zone, highlighted that evidence was gathered linking those arrested to crimes committed in Ercilla, Collipulli, and Traiguén, under a modus operandi that included intimidation with firearms for the theft of trucks.

From the Government, Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado stated that "the Rule of Law is not negotiable" and that all fugitives will be pursued.

Security Minister Trinidad Steinert emphasized that, although no police officers were injured, shots were indeed fired at armored vehicles. "We have five detainees, three men and two women, who will be placed at the disposal of the court within the framework of an investigation initiated in 2025 for crimes of robbery with violence, arson, and unjustified shootings," the authority reported. The minister highlighted that, despite the confrontations recorded during the operation, no officers were injured, although shots and ballistic impacts on armored vehicles were confirmed. "This result confirms that the State fulfills its duty throughout the national territory and reaffirms its presence against criminal organizations," she stressed.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Fernando Barros praised the planning of the operation, describing it as "a significant and well-structured action."

The procedure is part of the security strategy applied in the Southern Macrozone, where the state of exception has been in effect for four years.