Two teenagers detained after firearms were found inside a vehicle in Quilicura

On June 29, 2026, two teenagers were detained in the commune of Quilicura, located in the Metropolitan Region of Chile, after police discovered firearms inside their vehicle during a routine inspection. The incident occurred when officers from Carabineros, the national police force, conducted a check on a car parked in public space. During the search, they found a revolver that was not loaded and a replica of a compressed air submachine gun hidden in the back seats of the vehicle. According to officials, neither of these items were capable of firing live ammunition but could potentially be used for violent crimes such as robbery or intimidation.

The arrest took place following a standard traffic stop initiated by Radiopatrol units. The two minors, both aged 16, did not resist the procedure and complied with the police instructions without incident. They have no prior criminal records, according to statements made by Esteban Jiménez, the commissioner of the 49th Police Station in Quilicura. The weapons were handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will conduct further investigations into the origin of the arms and determine the legal course of action regarding the suspects. The vehicle, registered under the name of one of the teenagers' relatives, has been taken off the road for forensic analysis.

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by Chile's law enforcement agencies to monitor and control the circulation of potentially dangerous items within the country. While the weapons found in this case were not functional, their presence raises concerns about the accessibility of such items among young individuals who might use them for illicit purposes. Authorities emphasized that even non-lethal replicas can serve as tools for intimidation and violence, underscoring the need for vigilance in preventing such scenarios.

In another related incident, on June 28, 2026, five individuals were arrested in the commune of Malloco, also in the Metropolitan Region, after police discovered a firearm and a knife inside their vehicle. This arrest followed a routine patrol by officers from the Malloco Substation, who noticed a white car failing to obey a "STOP" sign on Avenida Vicuña Mackenna. Upon inspecting the vehicle, they found a knife and a black balaclava concealing a small-caliber pistol manufactured by Beretta. The weapon had no active police registration and was listed under the name of a person who died in 1990. All five occupants of the vehicle, ranging in age from 17 to 30 years old, were taken into custody and transferred to the Malloco Substation for further processing before being presented to the courts.

These incidents reflect the broader issue of illegal possession of weapons in urban areas of Chile. Both cases involve young adults and highlight the importance of strict enforcement of laws against unauthorized possession of firearms. The discovery of such items often leads to legal proceedings aimed at determining the ownership history and potential misuse of these weapons. In both instances, the authorities stressed the necessity of thorough investigations to ensure that all legal procedures are followed correctly.

The recent arrests have sparked discussions among local communities and law enforcement officials about the measures needed to prevent similar occurrences. Some community leaders have called for increased awareness campaigns targeting youth groups, emphasizing the dangers associated with handling firearms, whether real or imitation. Others have suggested stricter regulations on the sale and distribution of such items to reduce their availability to those who might exploit them for criminal activities. These responses indicate a growing concern among citizens and officials alike regarding the proliferation of weapons in everyday life and the potential risks they pose to public safety.