Prison Break in Misiones: Two Homes Searched, Cell Phones Seized in Santa María

Authorities in Misiones, Paraguay, conducted searches of two residences in Santa María as part of an ongoing operation to recapture two inmates who escaped from the Misiones Regional Penitentiary. The fugitives, identified as Ignacio Cubilla and Pascual Benítez, fled the facility early Tuesday morning.

The first search targeted the home of Bárbara Riveros Arrúa, 27, believed to be the partner of Ignacio Cubilla. Cubilla was serving a 13-year sentence for drug trafficking. During the search, investigators confiscated a Nokia cell phone, which will undergo analysis for any information pertinent to the escape.

The second residence belonged to Luci Natividad Villamayor Báez, 26, also from the San Juan Berchmans community. Two cell phones were seized from this location: a Redmi Note 12 and another device. Preliminary information suggests Villamayor Báez may have connections to Cubilla's partner, prompting the search of her home.

Investigators consider the seized cell phones crucial, as their analysis could provide vital clues about the escape. Cubilla was imprisoned for drug trafficking, while Benítez was serving time for intentional homicide. The National Police continue their efforts to locate and apprehend both escapees.