started · updated
La Picota prison raid seizes Starlink antennas and communication devices
Authorities conducted a massive security operation across 19 pavilions at the La Picota prison in Bogotá, Colombia, seizing a significant amount of prohibited technology and contraband. The raid, involving approximately 400 National Police officers and officials from the National Penitentiary and Prison Institute (Inpec), uncovered 582 mobile phones, 3,754 SIM cards, 38 modems, and six Starlink satellite internet antennas.
In addition to communication equipment, officials confiscated 356 sharp weapons, narcotics, cash, and various electronic accessories. The presence of Starlink antennas raised concerns regarding how such large devices entered the facility and their role in allowing inmates to bypass conventional signal blockers to coordinate criminal activities.
President Abelardo de la Espriella stated that the government aims to prevent incarcerated individuals from using prison facilities to coordinate crimes, such as extortion and intimidation. Investigations are underway to determine if prison staff were complicit in the smuggling of these high-tech devices.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Aldair Enrique Contreras Echeverría · Bogotá · INPEC · La Picota · La Picota prison · National Police of Colombia · Starlink
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Six Starlink satellite internet antennas were found in the prison. diarioriente.com · paragrafo.co · elfrente.com.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] Authorities seized 582 cell phones at La Picota prison. diarioriente.com · paragrafo.co · elfrente.com.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] The operation covered 19 pavilions within the prison. diarioriente.com · paragrafo.co · elfrente.com.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] Authorities seized 3,754 SIM cards at La Picota prison. diarioriente.com · paragrafo.co · elfrente.com.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The raid involved approximately 400 National Police officers. diarioriente.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Criminal networks in Colombian prisons generate over 2,000 million pesos annually. paragrafo.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] 356 sharp weapons were seized during the raid. diarioriente.com · paragrafo.co · elfrente.com.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Aldair Enrique Contreras Echeverría was transferred to La Picota prison. meridianoregional.com