Police searched pavilions C and D of Socabaya prison in Arequipa in the early hours of Tuesday 3 November 2026.[1] The operation started at 4:00 a.m. and covered areas occupied by inmates.[1] The search was led by agents of the Criminal Investigation Division (Divincri), with officers of the Special Services Unit (USE), staff of the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE) and representatives of the Public Ministry.[1] Officers inspected every area of both pavilions after a weekend grenade explosion at the prison entrance and a threatening note left by those responsible.[1] The inspection included the belongings of Manuel Díaz, alias Choclo.[1] A note left after the explosion blamed Díaz for directing extortion in Arequipa.[1] Police suspect disputes between criminal gangs among the prison inmates.[1]
Officers seized seven wraps of marijuana in the search.[1] In the same search police also seized 150 small packets (ketes) of coca paste, about 130 additional grams of the same drug and 20 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.[1] Police also reported 154 bladed weapons, including makeshift punches, scissors, knives and other handmade items.[1] The haul also included three mobile phones, 40 tobacco cigarettes, 18 lighters, 13 scissors, four remote controls, nine makeshift chargers and five cables.[1]
Police placed the seized drugs at the disposal of the anti-drug unit (Areandro) and handed the phones to the extortion-investigation unit under Public Ministry oversight.[1] The search took place amid disputes between criminal groups operating from Socabaya prison.[1] Police link seven attacks to these groups, which they say are fighting to maintain criminal dominance.[1] Authorities are seeking to establish whether the seized items are connected to illicit activity under investigation inside and outside the prison.[1]
