He Penitentiary Systemthe National Civil Police and of Army This Saturday, May 16, they carry out a high-impact operation in the Jail Renovation I, in Escuintla, confirmed the Ministry of the Interior (Mingob).
The authorities confirmed that the actions in the prison center, linked in recent months to riots and searches, are to strengthen control of the country’s prisons.
The authorities indicated that the operation continues in development and that they will expand details on possible searches, seizures or transfers carried out within the prison upon completion.
The intervention occurs in the midst of the strategy promoted by the Government after the riots registered in January 2026 in Renovación I and other prisons, attributed by the authorities to structures of the Neighborhood 18 headed by Aldo Duppie Ochoa Mejía, alias “The Wolf”.
At that time, the Ministry of the Interior indicated that the riots sought to pressure to recover privileges within the prison, such as air conditioning, special food and transfers to other prison centers.
Subsequently, the authorities transferred “The Wolf” and other ringleaders to a container area set up within Renovación I, while reconstruction work progressed after the damage caused during the riots.
The Government assured that the measure sought to isolate criminal leaders and prevent them from continuing to coordinate crimes from prison.
Free press documented that Renovación I became the focus of multiple searches and operations after investigations revealed alleged privileges for gang members and the entry of illicit goods into the prison. Among the reported findings were cell phones, fans, appliances and areas set up for criminal leaders.
Renewal I brings together several members considered part of the call “Wheel of Barrio 18”a structure identified as coordinating extortion, hitmen and attacks from prison.
Read also: New riots in Santa Teresa prison leave inmates and children affected by tear gas