At least 32 inmates escape from southeastern Mexico prison

At least 32 inmates escape from southeastern Mexico prison

2011-09-20 13:43:26 GMT+7 (ICT)

VERACRUZ, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- At least 32 inmates broke out of three different prisons in the southeastern region of Mexico on Monday, officials said on Tuesday.

The break outs occurred in three penitentiaries in the state of Veracruz: La Toma penitentiary located in Amatlan de Los Reyes; Duport Ostion in the port of Coatzacoalcos; and another prison in the town of Cosamaloapan.

State Secretary Gerardo Buganza Salmeron confirmed the incidents, adding that 15 of the 32 escaped prisoners had been charged under federal law. He said 14 of those who escaped were already captured, while another prisoner was later also detained in a nearby town called Cosoleacaque.

According to reports, the inmates assaulted the prison guards in each of the penitentiaries, forcing them to open the gates. In Coatzacoalcos, gunshots were reportedly fired during the break out but there were no reports of casualties.

State police and personnel from the Mexican National Army were carrying out land and air search operations for those who were still missing. Two small aircraft and a helicopter were also deployed as the situation has brought fear to local residents.

Prison outbreaks and prison riots occur frequently in Mexico. In late July, seventeen people were killed when a group of prisoners in Ciudad Juarez broke into another area of the prison and assaulted thirteen of their rival inmates.

Mexico has been struggling to cope with an influx of criminals as President Felipe Calderón continues with his campaign against organized crime and drug cartels. According to government figures, a total of 15,273 drug-related crimes occurred in Mexico in 2010, while more than 42,000 people have died in drug-related violence since the campaign began in December 2006.

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