Social media activists circulated videos and images from inside the "5-star" prison in Venezuela, showcasing the shock of security forces at what they found inside. Venezuelan authorities regained control of the prison located in the Tocoron area of Aragua State on September 21, 2023. New images revealed that the prison, built under the reign of the Tren de Aragua gang—the most powerful gang in the country—had been transformed into a small city complete with a zoo, a swimming pool, a nightclub, and even a playground for children, in addition to significant quantities of weapons, ammunition, and drugs.
The Venezuelan government deployed 11,000 forces to reclaim Tocoron prison from the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. Reports indicate that gang leader Héctor 'Niño' Guerrero escaped prior to the raid.
Venezuelan authorities stated they took control of the prison housing a powerful gang with international reach in a large operation involving 11,000 security personnel. The gang had constructed small huts where some members lived with their families, enjoying access to satellite channels and the internet. The zoo housed tigers, lions, and crocodiles.
The gang owned a nightclub named "Tokyo," and a restaurant where inmates had dinner with their visitors. Additionally, there was a baseball field, a room for gambling activities, and another room where inmates illegally mined cryptocurrencies, alongside an underground swimming pool located near a children's play area.
