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Original article: Balance positivo en La Araucanía: 1.500 delitos menos en diciembre y hallazgo histórico contra el narcotráfico

On the eve of the New Year, security authorities in La Araucanía presented a positive report on crime trends in the region, highlighting two unprecedented milestones: the dismantling of the first cocaine processing laboratory ever detected in the region’s history and an 8% reduction in major public order crimes during December, equating to approximately 1,500 fewer offenses.

This information was disclosed during the last Police Committee meeting of 2025, led by Public Security Secretary Israel Campusano, which included high-ranking officials from Carabineros and the Investigative Police (PDI). The meeting served both to analyze last month’s results and to outline operational deployment for the Summer Plan 2025–2026.

Historic Blow to Drug Trafficking: Dismantling of Cocaine Laboratory in Angol

According to the report presented by the PDI, one of the most significant findings during this period was the identification and dismantling of a clandestine laboratory for cocaine processing in the Angol commune.

This incident, termed «unprecedented» for the region, represents a substantial blow against drug trafficking, demonstrating enhanced intelligence and investigative capabilities.

The operation was led by the Angol Robbery Investigative Brigade (BIRO), in collaboration with the Local Prosecutor’s Office, as part of an investigation initiated due to violations of the Arms Law. As reported by Radio Universal, «the gang operated from two residences, one located in the Puente Malleco area, used as a drug and weapons storage point, and another exclusively for the manufacture of base paste.»

In this property, authorities found a variety of containers filled with caustic soda, muriatic acid, and sodium bicarbonate, which are products utilized to adulterate drugs and increase their volume.

According to data provided by the PDI, this operation led to the removal of over 7,000 doses from circulation, valued at nearly $35.8 million, thereby preventing their sale in various sectors of Angol and the province.

Simultaneously, the PDI reported a 33.3% increase in the arrests of foreign citizens linked to criminal cases compared to the same period last year.

Authorities interpret this rise not as an increase in crime among this group but as a result of more focused criminal prosecution aimed at «complex criminal structures,» stated El Mostrador.

December Shows Declining Figures: 8% Fewer Crimes

Meanwhile, Carabineros provided encouraging statistics for December, traditionally one of the most challenging months due to increased pedestrian traffic, alcohol consumption, and holiday festivities.

The uniformed institution reported an overall 8% decrease in major public order and police crimes, translating to approximately 1,500 fewer crimes in the region compared to December 2024.

The breakdown indicates progress in critical areas, including a 3.3% drop in homicides, a 12% decrease in assaults and injuries, and a detention rate exceeding 20%, which is above the national average.

«Results of serious and coordinated work»

The Police Committee allowed for an evaluation of the reduction of criminal acts in the region and established operational deployment for the summer season.

«This last Police Committee of the year allows us to close 2025 with concrete facts. A historic blow to drug trafficking with the discovery of the first cocaine laboratory in the region and an 8% decrease in crimes in December, the most challenging month of the year. These are results of serious, coordinated, and analytical work, which we will continue to deepen throughout the summer,» stated Public Security Secretary Israel Campusano.

The Plan for Summer 2025-2026

Authorities indicated that these positive results are not a destination but the foundation for the Summer Plan 2025–2026, which is already underway and includes, among other actions:

– Reinforcement of police deployment in urban areas with high population density, rural roads, and tourist destinations in the region.

– Emphasis on three pillars: situational prevention, control of illegal trade (especially alcohol on routes), and active pursuit of drug trafficking networks.

– Inter-institutional coordination with SENAPRED and the Regional Presidential Delegation for managing emergencies (wildfires, accidents) and enhancing early warning systems.

The Ministry of Public Security supported the strategy, stating that concluding the Police Committee 2025 in La Araucanía «allows us to project the following year with greater operational anticipation and maintaining pressure on organized crime.»

The review ultimately paints an optimistic picture for La Araucanía at year-end, combining a direct impact on everyday crime statistics with a strategic strike against organized crime. The challenge now, as authorities themselves recognized, is to maintain and consolidate this positive trend throughout the summer season and into the new year of 2026.

La entrada Positive Outcome in La Araucanía: 1,500 Fewer Crimes in December and Historic Drug Trafficking Bust se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.