20 Notorious Gang Leaders Escape Guatemalan Prison

Twenty senior members of the Barrio 18 gang escaped from Guatemala’s Fraijanes II maximum-security prison early Saturday, October 11.

The prison is in the municipality of Fraijanes. It was specifically designed to house the most dangerous inmates in the country.

In a press conference on Sunday, Director General of the Penitentiary, Ludin Godínez, warned that the fugitives are not ordinary criminals.

They have released photos and information on the fugitives, who Guatemalan authorities say are connected to murders, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Guatemalan police, with support from the FBI and Interpol, have deployed special units and security rings nationwide due to the risk that the criminals may try to escape to neighbouring countries.