Guatemala and Paraguay prison raids uncover tunnels and contraband

Authorities in Guatemala and Paraguay have conducted major security raids in high-security prisons, uncovering contraband and escape attempts.

In Guatemala, a joint operation involving the Ministry of Interior and the Army at the Pavón Rehabilitation Farm discovered a tunnel under construction. Officials stated the excavation was intended to facilitate an escape and was located near a ranch. The raid resulted in the seizure of numerous prohibited items, including dozens of cell phones, drugs, alcohol, thousands of cigarette packs, and various tools such as an electric saw and sharpened objects.

In Paraguay, a similar operation at the Minga Guazú Social Reinsertion Center targeted high-danger and maximum-security modules. Security forces seized cell phones, weapons, and lighters. Notably, one mobile device was found hidden inside a Bible. Investigators also recovered a quantity of unidentified powder; while preliminary tests were negative for known narcotics, the substance has been sent to a forensic laboratory for further analysis.

Guatemalan officials emphasized that these actions are part of an ongoing effort to prevent organized crime from operating within the prison system.