The Interior Ministry ordered a special operation at the prison complex, following the seizure of 220 prison cuts, 138 phones, several liters of “Escabio” - prison drink that accelerates heart rate -  a fragmentation grenade, a .22-caliber weapon and marijuana plants. 

The raid had been called "effective" and, as stated by the Acting Director of Prisons, Joseph Colmanthe seizure started on Wednesday, and with extra-prison operators to avoid rumors of mistreatment.

This thick seizure (prison cuts of over one meter length) supported two major events that occurred previous days in this prison complex, where one inmate was shot and a group of inmates attacked guards (one of them was referred to CTI), a situation still under investigation.

In the past 10 days 150 new inmates have entered COMCAR, worsening overcrowding. In addition, the fair court prevents some prisoners to leave prisons in Uruguay.

More security cameras will be installed in COMCAR and more courses will be taught not only the prisoners but also their families. Colman stressed the importance of family members in dealing with prisoners in their visiting hours, which is an inmate's right, he said.

(www.espectador.com, 28 January 2010)