Two prisoners accused of extorting businessmen were isolated in container-type cells at the Renovación 1 Detention Center, as part of a search operation carried out this Saturday, April 25, by authorities of the Penitentiary System.
The action is part of inter-institutional efforts to combat extortion that are coordinated from prison centers. According to the General Directorate of the Penitentiary System (DGSP), the inmates were identified through prison intelligence work and immediately transferred to an isolation area, in conditions similar to those of other gang leaders held in that sector.
During the search, the authorities seized eight cell phones: four in the sector where members of the Mara Salvatrucha remain and four in the area of the so-called “paisas.”
The authorities reported that isolated prisoners will remain in container-type cells, similar to those used to detain gang leaders, including Aldo Dupie Ochoa Mejía, alias “El Lobo”, a member of Barrio 18.
In February 2026, the authorities indicated that these spaces – built with containers, with bars and approximately 29 square meters – were enabled to prevent inmates from continuing to order illicit activities. In the case of “El Lobo”, he remains isolated and without access to privileges.
The Penitentiary System detailed that these measures were implemented after disturbances recorded on January 17 in that detention center.
Also located in the operation were:
- 8 cell phones
- 1 internet router
- 1 solar panel for charger
- 80 packs of cigarettes
- 4 sharp objects
- 1 tattoo needle
- 3 containers to grind drugs
- 26 fangs of alleged cocaine
- 49 packages for suspected marijuana wrappers
- 9 medium packages of suspected marijuana
- 2 packages of alleged crack stone
- 60 cigars of alleged marijuana
- 21 phone chargers
- 4 electricity cables
🚨 Results 🚨
The Guatemalan Army, in coordination with the civil security forces, carried out a search at the Maxima Seguridad Renovación I Prison, #Escuintla.
During the search they located:
• 08 cell phones
• 01 internet router
• 01 panel… pic.twitter.com/HhZw8HnRvJ— Guatemalan Army (@Ejercito_GT) April 25, 2026
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