Luxury vehicle theft probe in Petén reveals drug trafficking links

An investigation into the theft of luxury vehicles in Guatemala has exposed a criminal structure allegedly involved in drug trafficking operating in the Petén region. The probe, initiated by the Special Prosecutor's Office Against Organized Crime, linked the high-end car thefts to a network that allegedly transported the stolen vehicles to Las Cruces, Petén.

According to the Public Ministry (MP), the criminal group stole luxury vehicles, altered their identification numbers, or installed hidden compartments to transport illicit goods. These vehicles were then reportedly moved across the border into Mexico, where they were either sold or handed over to another criminal organization. The MP stated that the stolen vehicles were "transferred to the municipality of Las Cruces, department of Petén, where they were allegedly altered in their identification characteristics and subsequently mobilized to Mexican territory."

During the investigation, authorities identified 24 properties in Las Cruces linked to the alleged drug trafficking and vehicle theft ring. On May 27, security forces raided these locations as part of an operation codenamed "Relámpago 10" (Lightning 10). The raids aimed to strengthen ongoing investigations into the criminal structure and its potential transnational ties.

The operation resulted in the seizure of a significant arsenal, including 13 rifles, a submachine gun, a rocket launcher, three pistols, seven tactical vests, and 1,280 rounds of ammunition. Authorities also found drugs, including 252,888 marijuana plants, 39 bags of suspected marijuana, a nursery with 200 small marijuana plants, and four packages containing suspected cocaine. Three people, two men and one woman, were arrested during the raids. Additionally, a pickup truck, a homemade armored plate, a cell phone, two backpacks, and a digital scale were confiscated.