Chile moves 191 inmates, including crime leaders, to new high-security prison

Chilean authorities have transferred 191 prisoners, including high-ranking organized crime figures, to a new high-security facility in Talca, central Chile. The operation, dubbed 'Operativo Cancerbero,' aims to enhance security and segregate dangerous inmates.

The Talca prison is touted as one of South America's most modern penitentiaries, featuring advanced technology and infrastructure designed to house the country's most dangerous criminals. Of the 191 inmates moved, 37 are linked to organized crime structures, including nine leaders and 28 members. The remaining 154 are prisoners with a "high criminal commitment," according to a statement from the Ministry of Justice.

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This is a historic day where we can see a new scheme for how to address the prison issue

President José Antonio Kast personally monitored the transfer from the La Laguna penitentiary. He described the day as "historic," marking a "new scheme for how to address the prison issue." Kast stated that the high-security module is intended to ensure these inmates have no contact with the general prison population. A total of 400 inmates are slated for transfer.

The prisoners were transported from various locations across Chile, including the Metropolitan Region, Arica y Parinacota, Tarapacá, and Los Lagos. The new facility, inaugurated in 2025 under the previous administration, will implement special segregation and surveillance measures, including phone signal jamming to prevent communication. Inmates will also reportedly wear uniforms.

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high-security module for these inmates to have no contact whatsoever with the rest of the prison population