Prisoners are prohibited from having cell phones, but some incarcerated gang members have friends and relatives smuggle the devices to them in prison.
Transnational Threats

Southcom Gen. John Kelly, other officials discuss drug challenge
The unprecedented expansion of criminal networks and violent gangs throughout Latin America and the Caribbean makes the mission of the U.S. Southern Command more urgent than ever, Southcom Commander Gen. John F. Kelly told a congressional hearing.
El Salvador charges alleged Texis Cartel leaders with tax evasion
Authorities have charged prominent Salvadoran businessman Jose Adan Salazar, 62, with avoiding more than $800,000 in personal taxes and more than $80,000 in taxes from his hotel chain Hotesa.
Panama: Counter-narcotics fight is paying off
International cooperation was key in seizure of 224.7 tons of narcotics between 2009 and 2013, according to the Public Security Ministry.
Colombia, U.S partner to seize 2.3 metric tons of cocaine, vessel
The action prevented US$71 million in cocaine from reaching the street, representing the first time since 1993 that Colombian authorities seized a vessel carrying drugs while a crew manned it.

Dominican police and Interpol capture three alleged Italian mob bosses
Security forces captured Domenico Magnoli, 63, according to a May 17 press release from the Dominican Republic National Police. Police captured Magnoli in the university zone of the National District. Police captured Magnoli as he drove a Jeep Explorer.
Operation UNIFIED RESOLVE seizes US$20 million worth of cocaine
The April 21 seizure of 602 kilograms of cocaine occurred after a U.S. Coast Guard aircrew spotted a go-fast vessel traveling toward the Dominican coast carrying suspicious cargo.

Dominican Republic’s Indirect Participation with Operation Martillo and Support for CSII
To discuss this and other issues, Diálogo met with Major General Pedro A. Cáceres Chestaro, Dominican Deputy Minister of Defense for Military Affairs.
Rio de Janeiro: Residents benefit from Armed Forces’ crime hotline
Armed Forces have created Disque-Pacificação to provide the Complexo da Maré’s residents a telephone number for anonymous crime reporting and suggestions.

Ecuadorean security forces crack down on drug trafficking
During the month Ecuadorean Armed Forces and National Police dismantled an alleged international drug trafficking network; captured a semi-submersible an organized crime group was using to transport drugs; and broke up a micro-drug trafficking ring.
Colombian National Police deal a strong blow to Los Urabeños
Agents from the Anti-Narcotics Directorate of Colombia, the Colombian Navy, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) collaborated on the investigation. Colombia and the U.S. cooperate on security issues, primarily by sharing information.