Eight inmates involved in Moca prison disturbance after contraband discovery

An incident involving eight inmates occurred at the La Isleta Correction and Rehabilitation Center (CCR-XII) in Moca on Thursday night, following a search that uncovered illicit substances and smartphones. The disturbance began around 7:30 p.m. when security personnel conducted an operation in a second-level module.

According to the center's director, José Feliz Pichardo, the search resulted in the discovery of contraband. This led to resistance from eight inmates, who allegedly engaged in disruptive behavior and threw objects at the security staff in an attempt to injure them. To regain control and restore order, security personnel fired warning shots using pellet shotguns.

As a consequence of the confrontation, four inmates sustained minor injuries. They were transferred to the center's medical area for treatment before being returned to their cells. The director stated that the module was returned to normalcy, and accommodations were secured to ensure the safety and well-being of the inmates.

Authorities have identified Osvaldo Aridio Batista, Breilin Pichardo Ureña, Luismen Silverio, and Juan Carlos Bretón Veras as the alleged ringleaders of the incident. Stewart Samil Lantigua, Ronald Álvarez Cruz, Isaac Disla García, and Nelson Rodríguez were also involved. The Directorate General of Penitentiary and Correctional Services (Dgspc) has launched an investigation to determine responsibilities and implement disciplinary actions, reiterating its commitment to security and the rehabilitation process.