Security forces move toward the prison on September 20.
Tocoron Prison in the northern state of Aragua is in fact controlled by a criminal gang called Tren de Aragua, which also "manages" prison facilities such as the zoo, swimming pool and gambling hall, according to AFP, citing the results of the investigation.
According to the official announcement, the Caracas government decided to launch a campaign to "uproot" the gang situation inside the prison and eliminate the situation of criminal organizations "extending their tentacles" from Tocoron prison to operate elsewhere.
Tocoron is the headquarters of the Tren de Aragua gang, which is believed to be involved in crimes across Venezuela and even operates abroad.
According to an investigation by Venezuelan journalist Ronna Risquez, the gang has about 5,000 members.
The Tren de Aragua emerged about 10 years ago, and is behind kidnappings, robberies, drug trafficking, prostitution and extortion. It is also involved in illegal gold mining and human trafficking.
Journalist Risquez described Tocoron prison as a "hotel" for the Tren de Aragua leadership, with a bank, basketball court, restaurant and even a disco club.
According to local media, the leader of the Tren de Aragua gang, Hector Guerrero Flores, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for murder and drug trafficking. However, he was allowed to come and go in and out of prison as he pleased.
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