Penal - Rol O-451-2022

This document details a court case involving the Ministry of Public Prosecutor of Tocopilla against Luis Alberto Reyes Castañeda. The case, heard in the Court of Oral Criminal Proceedings of Antofagasta (RIT 451-2022, RUC 2200414912-6), concerns drug trafficking. The facts established that on April 30, 2022, on Route B-1, Km 189, Tocopilla, Luis Alberto Reyes Castañeda and Mario Francisco Álvarez Rodríguez were found carrying significant quantities of marijuana (906 grams and 1 kilogram 33 grams, respectively) hidden on their bodies. They were apprehended during a bus control by Carabineros. The drug was destined for Santiago. Both individuals were found guilty of drug trafficking under Article 3 in relation to Article 1 of Law No. 20,000, as principals under Article 15 N°1 of the Penal Code. Each was sentenced to six years of major imprisonment in its minimum degree and a fine of 40 UTM, with accessory penalties including perpetual absolute disqualification from public office and political rights, and absolute disqualification from holding professional titles during the sentence term. Luis Alberto Reyes Castañeda, 30 years old, a Venezuelan cleaner residing in Iquique, and Mario Francisco Álvarez Rodríguez, 23 years old, a Venezuelan barber also residing in Iquique, both had irreproachable prior conduct but had entered Chile illegally. The court considered the mitigating factor of irreproachable prior conduct but rejected the plea for substantial cooperation, as the accused attempted to conceal the drug and did not initially cooperate. The prosecution sought a harsher penalty, while the defense argued for substantial cooperation and a lesser sentence with alternative measures. The court's decision was based on the evidence presented by the prosecution, including the testimonies of the arresting officers, and the rejection of the cooperation mitigating factor. Legal provisions cited include Law No. 20,000, Articles 15 N°1, 11 N°6 and 9, and 68 of the Penal Code, among others. No alternative sentences were granted; the prison sentences are effective, and the fines are to be paid, potentially through community service. The document notes that appeals might be filed.

• Datos básicos del caso: * Tribunal: Tribunal de Juicio Oral en lo Penal de Antofagasta. * RIT: 451-2022. * RUC: 2200414912-6. * Fecha: 6 de febrero de 2023. * Tipo de procedimiento: Juicio oral por tráfico ilícito de drogas.

• Hechos acreditados: * Fecha y lugar: 30 de abril de 2022, alrededor de las 04:20 horas, en la Ruta B-1, Km 189, comuna de Tocopilla. * Conductas: Carabineros controlaron un bus interurbano donde viajaban Nombre y Nombre. Los acusados presentaban olor a marihuana desde sus vestimentas. Se les encontró adosado al cuerpo paquetes con marihuana. * Nombre portaba 906 gramos de marihuana. * Nombre portaba 1 kilo 33 gramos de marihuana. * Se les incautó $11.000 a Nombre. * Destino de la droga: Santiago.

• Calificación jurídica y pena impuesta: * Delito: Tráfico ilícito de drogas, artículo 3° en relación con el artículo 1° de la Ley N°20.000. * Calidad: Autores, artículo 15 N°1 del Código Penal. * Pena: * Seis (6) años de presidio mayor en su grado mínimo. * Multa de 40 UTM para cada uno. * Accesorias: Inhabilitación absoluta perpetua par...