Drugs and Weapons Seized from Bitcoin-Mining Prisoners in Venezuela

Venezuelan law enforcement officers have seized marijuana and cocaine from inmates who were mining Bitcoin in the Tocorón prison, located in the northern state of Aragua.

Criminals Controlled the Prison for Years

For several years, members of the Tren de Aragua gang maintained control over the prison. On September 20, more than 11,000 police officers and soldiers, supported by tanks and armored vehicles, stormed the penitentiary to regain control. Authorities did not disclose many details about the operation, but with only one reported fatality—a major who allegedly died after hitting his head on an armored vehicle door—the takeover appeared to proceed without major issues.

Gang Turned Prison into Their Own Domain

It was revealed that the Tren de Aragua gang, whose name translates from Spanish as “Train from Aragua,” had been running the prison for years. Inside, they had established a restaurant, gambling venues, a bank, and even a zoo with flamingos and ostriches. Many gang members lived in the facility with their wives or girlfriends, placed bets on horse races, partied at the “Tokyo” nightclub, and kept other inmates in near-slavery conditions.

Profiting from Cryptocurrency Mining

Authorities discovered large quantities of drugs and firearms in Tocorón. Police confiscated marijuana, cocaine, sniper rifles, ammunition, and even rocket-propelled grenades from the inmates. In addition, several dozen ASIC miners used for Bitcoin mining were found.

Corruption Enabled Gang Control

Tren de Aragua is Venezuela’s largest criminal organization, with around 2,700 members. The gang managed to maintain control over the prison through corruption. As a result, four prison guards have already been arrested for collaborating with the criminals, but it is believed that most, if not all, prison staff were involved with the gang.

Aftermath of the Operation

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro congratulated law enforcement on the successful raid and restoration of order in Tocorón. Police expelled women from the prison and transferred about 1,600 inmates to other facilities. However, the special operation is not yet over and has entered a second phase, as some inmates escaped during the raid and are now being sought by police. Venezuelan journalists reported that Hector Flores, the leader of Tren de Aragua, was among those who escaped. He was serving a 17-year sentence for murder and drug trafficking, but authorities have not yet confirmed his escape.