Mega-operation nationwide by PRONACEJ: prohibited items seized in 8 juvenile centers

A large-scale operation involving over 250 agents swept through eight juvenile centers across Peru, resulting in the seizure of numerous prohibited items. The nationwide effort was coordinated by the National Program for Juvenile Centers (PRONACEJ) and supported by the National Police of Peru, the Public Ministry, a canine unit, and the Fire Department.

The coordinated searches took place in juvenile centers located in Lima, Piura, Chiclayo, Arequipa, Pucallpa, Cusco, and Huancayo. Inspectors examined rooms, courtyards, and common areas, seeking materials that could compromise security, disrupt internal order, or hinder the rehabilitation process for the interned adolescents.

Among the confiscated items were various tools, fragments of iron, scissors, pieces of wood and tile, electrical plugs, handmade ropes, unauthorized clothing, screws, liquid silicone, and a jigsaw. These items were cataloged and handed over to the relevant authorities.

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These actions aim to prevent restricted materials from entering or remaining within the establishments, as some can be used as weapons and pose a risk to adolescents and workers.

Luis Vega, executive director of PRONACEJ, supervised the operation at the Santa Margarita Juvenile Center. He noted that over a thousand interventions have been conducted this year with support from the Public Ministry and the National Police. These actions are crucial to prevent restricted materials from entering or remaining within the facilities, as they can be fashioned into weapons and pose risks to both the young residents and staff. The goal is to ensure a secure environment conducive to the social reintegration of young people in conflict with the law.

PRONACEJ reported a significant reduction in certain prohibited items compared to 2025. Cellphone seizures dropped by 45.6%, accessories by 64.8%, and bladed weapons by 72.7%. Security specialists observe that the types of items found vary by facility. Male centers predominantly yield bladed weapons, cellphones, accessories, and illicit substances, while female centers tend to have more pills, clothing, and unauthorized medications. These ongoing checks are part of PRONACEJ's permanent control measures amidst an increase in adolescents in conflict with criminal law and pressure on facility capacity.

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The controls carried out by PRONACEJ also show a reduction in the quantity of certain prohibited objects found in juvenile centers compared to the year 2025.