Prison Drug Smuggling Attempts Prompt Security Measures in Argentina and Dominican Republic

In the Penal de Chimbas prison near San Juan, Argentina, authorities began field trials of a system to block cellular signals inside the facility, aiming to stop inmates from contacting the outside and to curb contraband deliveries, especially after incidents involving drones over the complex.

During routine visitor checks at the same prison, staff used scanning technology to uncover marijuana, cocaine and a concealed mobile phone hidden inside the soles of a pair of shoes, leading to seizures and a criminal investigation.

In La Vega, Dominican Republic, police detained a man who attempted to launch drug‑filled “palomas” – small balls fired from a motorbike – into the Centro de Corrección y Rehabilitación XVI El Pinito. Four additional balls were recovered from his backpack, and officials suspect the contents are illicit substances. The incident adds to a series of recent security actions to prevent drug entry into correctional facilities.