Security Operation at Cómbita Prison Yields Seizure of Over 260 Cellphones, Bladed Weapons, and Narcotics

A contingent of 300 officers from Colombia's National Penitentiary and Prison Institute and the National Police carried out an extensive search at El Barne prison in Cómbita, Boyacá, seizing hundreds of unauthorized communication devices and contraband.

During the inspection, officers seized 264 mobile phones, 456 SIM cards, 24 Wi-Fi routers, and 91 bladed weapons. In addition, officials confiscated over 7 million Colombian pesos in cash, quantities of cocaine and marijuana, 800 liters of artisanal liquor, and various pieces of jewelry.

Colombian correctional facilities have long faced challenges related to extortion schemes and coordinated criminal activities operated from inside prison walls via smuggled telecommunications equipment. This sweep is part of broader institutional efforts to dismantle illicit communication hubs.

Disabling illegal telecommunications infrastructure inside prisons directly mitigates telephone extortion targeting merchants and citizens across the country. Meanwhile, prison oversight groups underscore the need to address institutional vulnerabilities that enable widespread contraband entry.

Penitentiary authorities announced that routine inspections and checkpoint reinforcements will continue alongside internal disciplinary inquiries to identify how contraband reached the facility.