Over 1500 drones seized in prison raids

A total of 1,587 drones’, were seized in different pavilions of the La Joya, Mega Joya, and Joyita penitentiary centers during 1,294 searches carried out by security forces.

The aircraft were used by people outside prisons to bring in illicit substances, firearms,  and other prohibited items.

These actions were part of Operation Armageddon carried out with the objective of “maintaining an environment of peace and healthy coexistence in prisons.”

During the execution of the Armageddon operation, they also confiscated 109 firearms, 2,534 ammunition, 3,191 high-end cell phones, 5,126 sharp objects, and other prohibited items.

The Public Force agents also seized the sum of $254,226 in the custody of one of the prisoners.

The Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Government, developed remodeling projects in the perimeter fences of the outer area of ​​the penitentiary centers to counteract the entry of illicit articles and substances.

The Ministry of Government is also carrying out the construction of the new maximum security at the La Nueva Joya designed to house detainees who require maximum security conditions, so it is planned that the next administration will transfer the inmates from Punta Coco to the prison.

Once this work is completed, the La Nueva Joya Penitentiary Center will have the capacity to house 100 inmates in an extreme security wing designed to comply with all international specifications and regulations.

In addition, an electronic security program is being implemented within the La Joya prison complex, which will have 850 cameras and a monitoring center to improve surveillance.

The Minister of Government, Roger Tejada, explained that everything is ready to break ground and begin the construction of the La Esmeralda women’s center, in Las Garzas.

He added that adjustments were made to the clinic of the Women’s Rehabilitation Center (Cefere), which will allow the incorporation of new health services such as emergencies, pharmacy and dentistry. Currently only general medicine, gynecology and nutrition care is provided.