Colombian government prison security crackdown

President Abelardo de la Espriella has initiated a series of measures to restrict the command capacity of criminal organizations within the prison system. Initially, the President ordered the National Penitentiary and Prison Institute (INPEC) to transfer 120 gang leaders from Buenaventura to maximum-security facilities to sever their communication channels. This strategy includes strict protocols such as the use of specific uniforms and the restriction of telecommunications signals. To support these security efforts, the government is also exploring the construction of 10 high-security megaprison facilities outside urban areas.

Following these broad measures, the administration targeted specific high-profile inmates. President de la Espriella ordered the transfer of Édgar de Jesús Orrego Arango, alias ‘Firu’, a leader of the FARC dissidents' 36th Front. The order was issued after allegations from the Governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón, that Orrego Arango was using electronic devices to conduct TikTok live streams and video calls with an individual known as alias ‘Primo Gay’ from prison.

In response, the President instructed the director of INPEC to ensure the transfer is conducted under strict penitentiary conditions. INPEC has reportedly initiated an operation in the inmate's cell, and he is expected to be isolated before being moved to a new establishment where cellular and electronic signals are blocked.