El Salvador Police Detain Two Teens Accused of Forming New Gang

The National Civil Police (PNC) in El Salvador arrested two 17‑year‑old adolescents in the district of Lourdes, La Libertad, on accusations of trying to establish a new criminal group. The operation began when officers stopped Santiago de Jesús Alvarado Portillo at a police checkpoint; his identification led investigators to also detain Génesis Ester Alfaro Ramírez. Justice and Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro announced that the youths were attempting to adopt a new name to avoid detection and that the government will not tolerate any resurgence of gang activity.

Both teenagers have been placed in the custody of the authorities for further judicial processing.