Paraguayan authorities foil jailbreak in Ciudad del Este

(CNN Spanish) — The Paraguayan authorities reported that they managed to frustrate the work that would lead to the escape of inmates in the Ciudad del Este regional penitentiary, through an operation and a search carried out in this prison compound.

According to the statement from the Department Against Organized Crime of the National Police, it was a coordinated effort between this institution and the Public and Justice ministries.

In a Tweetthe Paraguayan National Police reported that “during the procedure, perforations were found in the concrete ceiling of one of the pavilions, as well as a steel hook together with intertwined light blankets, which would be used for an alleged escape.”

David Ortiz Mendez, general director of Communications at the Ministry of Justice, added that the hole was found in a cell where “inmates belonging to the First Capital Command criminal faction are held.” According to Ortiz, it is estimated that some 100 people deprived of their liberty could have fled.

For its part, the Paraguayan National Police added that during the operation sharp and blunt weapons of various types were seized.