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Arequipa Police Raid 'Los Lechuceros' Auto-Parts Ring in Pre-Dawn Operation

The court‑authorized searches followed months of surveillance of a network accused of stripping stolen cars for resale.

Overview

  • Police and prosecutors executed simultaneous 3 a.m. searches in Paucarpata and Cerro Colorado, entering 12 homes under judicial orders.
  • Reports differ on detentions, with six cited by the PNP via La República, nine by Correo, and seven by Diario Sin Fronteras, and police saying three suspects were still sought.
  • Among those held was alleged ringleader Edwar Jesús Mamani Camacita, along with Javier Carlos Fuentes Quispe, Aldair Berny Condori Huamansaire, Taylor Alexander Villafuerte Briseño and others named by authorities.
  • Investigators seized more than 100 auto parts and related equipment, including car radios, electric immobilizers, compressors, mirrors, tires and control modules.
  • The Second Pretrial Investigation Court under Judge Gian Paul Mendoza Ccora authorized forced entry, and the case proceeded under other prosecutors after lead prosecutor Rafael Larco Gigante was detained on Oct. 12 in an alleged drunk‑driving incident.