Free Republic

Venezuela said Wednesday it had seized control of a prison from the hands of a powerful gang, in a major operation involving 11,000 members of its security forces. The Tocoron prison had served as the Tren de Aragua gang's headquarters, where it had installed amenities such as a zoo, a pool and gambling rooms. An AFP team saw security officers carrying motorcycles, televisions, air conditioners and microwaves out of the jail. Tren de Aragua, Venezuela's most powerful local gang, is involved in crime countrywide and has spread its tentacles to neighboring nations. According to an investigation by Venezuelan journalist Ronna...