PDI personnel die after intense police operation in the Temucuicui community of Ercilla

A member of the Investigative Police (PDI) died this afternoon after participating in an operation in the Temucuicui community of Ercilla for drug and arms trafficking. In addition, another member of the institution is seriously admitted to the Victoria Hospital after receiving an impact to the head.

The operation this afternoon – in which at least eight detectives were injured – was in charge of the PDI together with the La Araucanía Prosecutor’s Office, which is investigating a alleged drug and arms trafficking.

A large number of police personnel and vehicles were transferred to the place: according to information from sources familiar with the operation, some 50 police cars participated, plus a hundred PDI officials and personnel from other regions. Also, helicopters and drones.

The investigation of the High Complexity Unit of the La Araucanía Prosecutor’s Office began in May 2020, stealthily. This as a result of a series of antecedents compiled by marijuana trafficking in the region. Since that date they have already detained 20 members of the community, of which 9 remain in preventive detention.

As detailed, the plantation of marijuana on land that the State gave to the community is investigated.

The Minister of the Interior, Rodrigo Delgado, He pointed out that the raid that was carried out is the result of a court order in which the prosecution has been working for some time. “A major seizure of drugs and weapons has been achieved but it was not exempt, unfortunately, from confrontations,” he said.

Equally, reported that at least eight PDI officials are injured. Regarding the death, the Secretary of State indicated that “I am not in a position to confirm anything.”