Members of the Carabineros' OS-7 unit arrested two Bolivian nationals this Sunday in the commune of Colchane, within the Tarapacá region. The individuals were caught in the act of using a backhoe to clear land and establish unauthorized crossings along the border.
The arrests took place during a preventive patrol conducted by the police in the area. According to a Carabineros report, the machinery was being used to facilitate the movement of criminal organizations and the transport of contraband and illicit goods.
The suspects, aged 31 and 43, are facing charges. Authorities confirmed that one of the detainees has a prior criminal record for smuggling. The men will be formally charged with smuggling via vehicle.
During the operation, officers seized an MF 750 model backhoe. The detainees are scheduled to appear in court this Monday for a detention hearing.
Implementation of the Border Shield Plan
This operation is part of the Border Shield Plan, implemented by the government of José Antonio Kast to address irregular migration. The plan includes a series of security and control measures across the Northern Macrozone.
A key feature of the plan is the digging of trenches in various border sectors. The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) reported this Saturday that work at this location is progressing according to the government's schedule.
The initiative aims to complete 30 kilometers of trenches within the first three months of execution. These works are part of an infrastructure strategy designed to limit the use of unauthorized border crossings.