INPE appoints new director for El Milagro prison in Trujillo

The National Penitentiary Institute (INPE) has appointed José Manuel Cabanillas Noriega as the new director of the El Milagro prison in Trujillo. This leadership change follows the removal of Wilson de la Torre Valderrama.

De la Torre Valderrama’s administration faced significant scrutiny following reports that criminal activities, including murders, kidnappings, and extortions, were being coordinated from within the facility. Recent security breaches and the discovery of contraband—such as drugs, weapons, mobile phones, and electronic gaming consoles—led the Executive to declare a 60-day state of emergency at the prison on September 5.

Cabanillas Noriega, a specialist in criminal law and penitentiary security, is tasked with restoring authority and internal control. His mandate includes strengthening security measures and combating illicit activities to ensure the facility operates under strict state control.