Venezuelan authorities wrested the Tocoron prison from the hands of a criminal gang (18 photos + 1 video)

The infamous Venezuelan prison, which has been around for many years controlled by the Tren de Aragua gang, was released on September 20. On 11,000 security forces were sent to storm. They saw with their own eyes the “resort hotel”, set up there by influential bandits.





Venezuelan authorities have deployed 11,000 soldiers and police in operation that led to the restoration of control over the Tokoron prison in the north-central state of Aragua.

The prison had been known for many years as the headquarters criminal group Tren de Aragua, led by Hector "Niño" Guerrero, who is serving a 17-year sentence for murder and drug trafficking. He reportedly fled with other gang members the day before the raid: someone warned him about the impending capture. Yes, even before that he was calm could come and go to Tokoron at his own discretion.



Tren de Aragua is the most powerful gang in Venezuela, numbering about 5 thousand members. It arose 10 years ago and engaged in kidnappings, robberies, drug trafficking, pimping and extortion. Also associated with illegal gold mining and illegal importation of migrants.



The criminals, having seized power over Tokoron, built inside prison walls had its own mini-city, which had a zoo, a night club, swimming pool, playground for children and other entertainment. Some gang members lived there with their families in separate shacks, had access to satellite television and the Internet.





It is reported that tigers lived in the Tren de Aragua Zoo, lions, crocodiles and pumas, which were used to challenge prisoners and the authority of government officials.



Venezuelan police confiscated dozens of motorcycles that criminals had for personal use inside the prison. There were also televisions, air conditioners, microwaves ovens and other equipment.





The gang had its own nightclub, Tokyo, where prisoners parties were regularly held, and in the restaurant the prisoners dined with by your visitors.





There was also a baseball field, a room where gambling, and another where prisoners illegally mined cryptocurrency.





The government of the country congratulated the employees law enforcement agencies with the restoration of "full control" over prison, adding that as a result of the operation, the center was “liquidated conspiracy and crime."



President Nicolas Maduro noted “great success in the fight against criminal organizations.”

“I congratulate more than 11 thousand members of FANB (National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela) and police forces with successful operation in Tokorona. We are moving towards a crime-free Venezuela groups! - he said.

According to authorities, prison will soon be will be disbanded, prisoners will be transferred to other correctional institutions, and everything here will be reconstructed.



Body camera footage of the raid shows police and soldiers storm one of the prison buildings where a tunnel was built. He had several exits, including one that led to the lake, on the shore which contained three wooden rafts.

“We have put an end to the violations in this place, we have found several tunnels, in this tunnel system we prevented massive escapes and took control of all prisoners,” the minister said Internal Affairs Remigio Ceballos.



Security forces caught two prisoners who escaped from prison in the time of the raid, which the Venezuelan regime called a liberation operation Cacica Guaicaipuro.



Ceballos confirmed on Thursday that 60 gang members had been detained. Tren de Aragua. Four prison officials were also arrested for they allowed weapons smuggling.



Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and grenades were found in large quantities in Tokorona.



Between 400 and 500 prisoners are still missing lead. Media reports that fugitives may be hiding in the mountains near El Junquito.