Chilean officials acknowledge organized crime infiltration in military
Authorities found a shipment of narcotics hidden at a military base in Colchane, near the Bolivian border, followed days later by a suitcase containing ketamine aboard an Air Force plane. The incidents have prompted closed-door Senate sessions and demands for answers from military leaders.
The discoveries followed the June 29 arrest of seven people -- six Army noncommissioned officers and one civilian -- who were charged and placed in pretrial detention. Prosecutors accuse the group of trafficking at least 423 pounds of cocaine and cocaine paste.
Security Minister Luis Cordero said there are "serious cases" showing organized crime has infiltrated the armed forces and could threaten public security, though he denied it is a structural or widespread issue.
"This wasn't an issue a few years ago, so legislation and measures need to be updated. Organized crime must be confronted early," Defense Minister Adriana Delpiano said.
Both ministers participated in a special session of the Senate Constitution Committee to examine ties between organized crime and the armed forces, and to discuss legislative and administrative steps to prevent future infiltration.
Lawmakers addressed jurisdictional disputes between military and civilian courts, proposed reforms to the Code of Military Justice and efforts to bolster institutional intelligence and counterintelligence.
Counterintelligence is a key tool in the fight against organized crime, as it helps identify security gaps in the country, security expert Pilar Lizana told Chilean broadcaster Radio Bio Bio.
Since 2023, Chilean armed forces personnel have been authorized to assist with border control and monitor illegal crossings in the country's north.
"The porous borders, the ease of drug transit and the search for alternative routes have made the country a key link in trafficking networks, exposing its institutions to corruption," said Humberto García, president of the Chilean Institute of Public Policy.
The incidents have also reignited debate over lifting bank secrecy protections for public officials and military personnel -- a proposal backed by pro-government sectors as a tool against corruption.
However, opposition leaders have raised concerns, arguing the change could infringe on individual rights.
Authorities and analysts agree that drug cartels and transnational criminal groups, such as Tren de Aragua, pose a growing threat to national security.
"The current situation demands a coordinated and forceful response from all branches of government. The credibility of the armed forces -- vital to national security and public trust -- is at stake," Garcia said.
"Transparency in investigations, tough sanctions and strong oversight mechanisms will be essential to confronting this growing threat."
Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
29 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Jon Ossoff's Chances of Winning as His Fundraising Outpaces Republicans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Senator Jon Ossoff outpaced his Republican challengers in the last fundraising quarter of the Georgia Senate race, expected to be one of the most competitive elections of the 2026 midterms. Ossoff's campaign manager told Newsweek the fundraising reflects "unstoppable momentum" ahead of the midterms, while a spokesperson for GOP Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King said the campaign is "pleased" with the fundraising in only a six-week time frame. Why It Matters Georgia has emerged as one of the nation's newest battlegrounds. Although former President Joe Biden narrowly carried the state in 2020, President Donald Trump flipped it back into the Republican column last November. Historically, the party in the White House loses seats during the midterms, so Democrats are hoping to expand their majority, which would likely require them to hold onto all the seats they currently hold. However, Republicans view Georgia as among their best opportunities to flip a Senate seat next year. The race is likely to garner national attention—and major investments from both parties. What to Know Ossoff, first elected in 2021, led the pack in terms of fundraising from April to June, according to each campaign's quarterly report with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). In total, he reported total receipts of just over $10 million for the quarter, with more than $15 million in the bank. On the Republican side, Representative Buddy Carter held a fundraising advantage over King. Carter raised over just over $1 million, along with an additional $2 million loan, and ended the quarter with about $4 million on hand. Meanwhile, King raised about $520,000 and ended the quarter with about $450,000 in the bank, according to the report. He is also transferring an additional $500,000 to a Super PAC, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. King's spokesman Dan McLagan told Newsweek the campaign is "pleased" with the fundraising. "Between what we raised for the campaign and raised to the federal PAC and transferred to the federal PAC, is over $1 million, it's a pretty solid start in six weeks," he said. McLagan added that Ossoff and the Republican nominee will likely raise $100 million by next November, noting that Georgia elections have become more expensive. "That's just the reality of these races in Georgia," he said. "We've seen it, the Republican and Democrat nominees both raise roughly the same amount of money, going up stratospherically each cycle." Ellen Foster, Ossoff's campaign manager, touted the fundraising in a statement to Newsweek. "The Ossoff campaign is building unstoppable momentum to win next November, and the small-dollar, grassroots movement is the backbone of our victorious coalition. We're grateful for the overwhelming support," she said. Newsweek also reached out to Carter's campaign for comment via his online contact form. Senator Jon Ossoff, a Georgia Democrat, speaks during a hearing in Washington, D.C. on July 9. Senator Jon Ossoff, a Georgia Democrat, speaks during a hearing in Washington, D.C. on July Breakthrough T1D How Critical Is Fundraising in Georgia Senate Race? Political Scientist Weighs In Ossoff having an early fundraising lead isn't surprising, as he has a "strong base of support, especially in the Atlanta metro," William Hatcher, chair and professor of social sciences at Augusta University, told Newsweek on Friday. Hatcher said once Republicans decide on a candidate, their fundraising may increase. "It's also unclear the importance of being ahead in fundraising today in politics. It still matters, but we're not sure it matters as much as it once did," he said. "Research use to show that all things being equal with candidates, the one who raises the most money is likely to win. However, today in such a fractured media environment, where candidates can go viral and get coverage without spending much money, the importance of fundraising lead isn't as clear." Early polls of the race give Ossoff a lead over Carter and King. A Cygnal poll, conducted among 610 likely voters from June 16 to 18, showed him up seven points against Carter (49 to 42 percent) and 10 points against King (50 to 40 percent). It had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.92 percentage points. Other Republicans like Representative Mike Collins have also floated a potential run. Governor Brian Kemp, who has enjoyed strong approval ratings in the state, opted against a Senate run. What People Are Saying William Hatcher, chair and professor of social sciences at Augusta University, told Newsweek: "Georgia can be more expensive state than others because of the media market around Atlanta. The 2022 US Senate race also showed us that a high-profile election where both parties are focused on winning the seat can be expensive in Georgia." Kyle Kondik, analyst for Sabato's Crystal Ball, wrote in a May report: "We are keeping Georgia as a Toss-up in our ratings as we see how the field develops following Kemp's announcement, but it's closer to being Leans Democratic than Leans Republican. The opposite would have been the case, at least to start, if Kemp had run." What Happens Next? Candidates may still jump in over the coming months, and more polling could come out and indicate how competitive the race may become. The Cook Political Report currently rates Georgia as a toss-up for 2026.
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
The Daily Show Debunked Trump's Biden Claim About Jerome Powell
Hot Topic 🔥 Full coverage and conversation on Politics Daily Show host Jordan Klepper on Thursday mocked President Donald Trump after he appeared to claim that former President Joe Biden appointed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Trump — who has entertained firing Powell, launching attacks against him for not cutting interest rates — described him as a 'terrible' Fed chair before adding that he was 'surprised' that Biden 'put him in and extended him.' In reality, Trump nominated Powell to the post in 2017 before Biden renominated him for a second term in 2021. He was confirmed by the Senate in both instances. Klepper jokingly took the president's suggestion at face value. 'Yeah! Yeah, why did Joe Biden put Jerome Powell in? Let's go back to when Joe Biden appointed Jerome Powell and see what Joe Biden said about him,' said Klepper, teeing up a clip of Trump announcing Powell as his Fed chair pick. In a ceremony outside the White House at the time, Trump called Powell 'strong,' 'committed' and 'smart' (comments that conflict with his current description of the Fed chair as a ' stupid person,' a ' numbskull ' and a ' stiff '). 'I get it. I'm also trying desperately to forget everything that happened during Trump's first term,' Klepper quipped. Klepper then highlighted Trump's 'pretty much nonstop' threats to fire Powell before turning to comments showing that Powell doesn't seem 'fazed' by the president's talk. Powell, when asked if he believes the president has the power to 'fire or demote' him back in November, had a simple response: 'Not permitted under the law.' 'Wow!' said Klepper as the Daily Show crowd applauded Powell, who repeated his comments in the clip. Comedy Central / Via Klepper joked, 'He went on to add, 'Try me, bitch.''
The Hill
an hour ago
- The Hill
Can Mike Waltz put ‘America First' at the United Nations?
On Tuesday, Mike Waltz, President Trump's former national security adviser, faced a grilling in the Senate as he seeks his next job: U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. In his confirmation hearing, Waltz spun himself as a tough advocate for American interests. Yet he kept bumping up against the same dilemma: in spite of the robust 'America First' rhetoric, the Trump administration is taking steps that will weaken American leverage at the U.N. The stakes are high. The U.N. remains the world's preeminent global forum, where countries gather to exchange views and set rules for the future. The central issues of our time — geopolitical competition, conflict, nuclear proliferation, global health and emerging technology — play out at the U.N. and its many agencies. Yet the U.N. has struggled in recent years. Its Security Council has been deadlocked, with Russia using its veto to get away with an illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. China is increasingly throwing around its weight, demanding more influence in the organization and watering down the U.N.'s work on human rights. The U.N.'s bureaucracy has struggled to streamline and focus its work. The war in Gaza has further challenged the organization. After Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel, far too many countries at the U.N. refused to condemn the atrocity — a moral failure casting a long shadow. Since then, Israel's brutal war on Gaza, including illegal obstruction of humanitarian assistance and obscene levels of civilian harm, has further poisoned the atmosphere. Despite these challenges, decisions are still made at the U.N. every day that impact American interests at home and abroad. The organization also retains a great capacity to contain and end wars before they spread and require U.S. intervention. U.N. human rights monitors, while not perfect, help promote accountability for violations in places such as Iran, Sudan and North Korea. Debates in U.N. technical bodies and standard-setting agencies affect many American economic sectors, such as telecommunications, biopharmaceutical research and agriculture. The U.N. is also playing a key role in establishing global rules and principles for the development and use of artificial intelligence. While Trump complains about global freeloading, the U.N. is actually an effective burden-sharing mechanism. The U.N.'s 193 member countries pool their dues to tackle shared challenges, such as responding to humanitarian disasters. Countries come together to collectively fund and supply nearly 70,000 U.N. peacekeeping troops to help protect civilians and stabilize troubled regions. Given the breadth of U.S. equities at stake, senators wanted to hear from Waltz a credible strategy to strengthen American leverage at the U.N. and enact needed reforms there. Every American, Republican and Democrat, agrees that the U.S., not our adversaries, should prevail in shaping outcomes at the U.N. Waltz had a chance to explain how he would work there to promote peace and strengthen U.S. security, protect American jobs, spur innovation and advance American values, particularly human rights. But Waltz could not explain away Trump administration decisions that will make it much harder for any U.S. ambassador to stand up for American interests at the U.N. For example, Trump has proposed that the U.S. cease paying its U.N. dues, which amount to around a quarter of the organization's budget. In addition to gutting essential U.N. functions, this would create an opening for Beijing and other countries to expand their influence at the organization through stepped-up donations. Trump's withdrawal from U.N. bodies, such as the World Health Organization and Human Rights Council, has similarly abandoned the field to other countries, including those that do not share our values. You can't fight for American interests if you're not in the room. Waltz's job would also be much more difficult thanks to last week's bloodbath at the State Department, where more than 1,300 national security professionals were fired without cause. The Trump administration claimed that this blow to U.S. diplomacy was about 'efficiency' and 'streamlining' — this is hogwash. These arbitrary and ill-conceived firings will unquestionably deprive our government of critical talent and expertise. Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice called the mass firings ' superpower suicide,' as she imagined the champagne corks popping in Beijing and Moscow. Ironically, Mike Waltz has been known as a 'China hawk,' someone who has long believed that the United States is in a high-stakes competition with China. In his confirmation hearing, he emphasized that countering China at the U.N. is 'absolutely is critical' — a view shared by both Democrats and Republicans. Yet, deep down, Waltz must surely realize that Trump's actions will make it harder to push back on Beijing's influence at the U.N. Undermining U.S. alliances in East Asia through tariff threats? Firing U.S. national security experts and diplomats? Shuttering the Voice of America and other offices that communicate our messages to the world? Abruptly ending U.S.-provided life-saving humanitarian assistance? Collectively, these steps will weaken American leverage around the world — all to the benefit of China. Senators appropriately pressed Waltz to explain how these self-inflicted wounds would impact his work at the U.N. Waltz had few good answers. It is now up to the U.S. Senate to determine whether Mike Waltz should serve in one of the most critical and high-profile diplomatic jobs. Senators will weigh many factors, including Waltz's role in ' Signalgate,' his shockingly poor decision to convene a classified discussion on an insecure messaging app. In line with standard Trump world protocol, Waltz refused to take any responsibility for the breach. Just as critical, though, the Senate must respond to the gap between Waltz's tough rhetoric and the Trump administration's crippling of American diplomatic capacity. If Trump and Waltz truly believe in their 'America First' rhetoric, they will need to do much more to stand up for our country. Josh Black served in the Biden White House as special assistant to the president and senior director for multilateral affairs. He previously advised U.S. Ambassadors to the U.N. Susan Rice, Samantha Power and Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
