A simultaneous search operation carried out in the four prisons of Quintana Roo, Mexico, has revealed the existence of various items trafficked inside, such as cell phones, video game consoles, and a sum of 105,000 pesos in cash (equivalent to approximately 6,000 dollars).
During more than eight hours in the second week of May, inspections were carried out in the prisons of Benito Juarez, Solidaridad, Cozumel, and Othon P. Blanco. During this operation, weapons such as knives, a pen with a concealed knife, and a wooden gun were discovered, as well as cables and other elements used to charge cell phones. Also found were devices such as Google Chrome, almost fifty USB memory sticks, four tattoo machines, and a gas mask, among other items.
In addition, six precision scales, a plastic container with solvent, 120 pills, a transparent nylon bag with 18 grams of a solid granulated substance, 17 bags with yeast, 581 grams of dry vegetable pending analysis, a marijuana seed, 250 grams of white powder, and 24 pipes were confiscated. These items are related to possible drug trafficking inside the prison.
The state’s Secretary of Citizen Security, Rubén Oyarvide Pedrero, explained in a press conference that the money found came from the rental of a modem with internet access and from the sale of drugs and other confiscated items. He also revealed that an investigation is underway to determine how the resources were introduced and who allowed these activities.
Oyarvide said that evidence and names are being collected, and everything seized is being forwarded to the Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office, which will be in charge of initiating investigations and summoning the custodians and personnel involved. The situation is being closely monitored, and it is expected that additional measures will be taken to prevent future incidents of trafficking within the prisons.