Disorders erupted Monday afternoon in Santiago's Barrio Meiggs as street vendors knocked down a perimeter fence during a municipal seizure of illegal cigarettes. Police contained the unrest and detained one person.
The incident took place at the intersection of Gorbea and San Alfonso streets in Barrio Meiggs. Municipalidad de Santiago officials spotted illegal cigarette sales and began a seizure operation. Over 30 individuals, referred to as street vendors or a mob in reports, forcibly knocked down part of the perimeter fence and violently attacked municipal security personnel, according to La Tercera. Carabineros personnel intervened swiftly, coordinating with General Bahamondes, and Special Forces fully regained control of the area. One person was detained for the disorders, with more arrests not ruled out. Mayor Mario Desbordes praised the municipal and police response: “These are actions we were expecting, and therefore our personnel reacted quickly.” He added: “We will continue working because these criminals will keep trying to recover the neighborhood where they sold a lot [...] the neighborhood will not retreat.” Desbordes announced lawsuits against those responsible.
