Puerto Rico Police said Friday that an operation the day before at motorcycle and vehicle dealerships in Hatillo and Quebradillas produced fines totaling at least $6,000, citations for permit violations and the seizure of a Toyota Tacoma with altered identification numbers. The Arecibo Auto Theft Division carried out the inspections with the Department of the Treasury (Hacienda) and the Driver Services Directorate (DISCO) to identify irregularities at businesses that sell vehicles.
At Power Sport Hatillo, Hacienda issued two $500 fines, $1,000 in all, and issued citations related to business licenses and permits. At Samed Auto Outlet, authorities imposed a $5,000 fine for selling vehicles without the required dealership license. At J.C.V. Auto Sales in Quebradillas, agents found a 2018 Toyota Tacoma with alterations to the manufacturer-assigned identification number, a false seal and the cabin removed.
Prosecutor Carolina Medina, of the Arecibo prosecutor’s office, authorized seizure of the vehicle based on the findings. Lieutenant Christopher Atiles Cruz directed the operation, with Sergeants Roberto Cruz Rivera, Julio Mercado Rivera and Miguel González Figueroa, all assigned to the Arecibo Auto Theft Division. Atiles Cruz said the division will continue inspecting motorcycle and vehicle dealerships to prevent fraud, promote legitimate transactions and protect consumers.