Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

Video Credit: CEN

This is the moment a deadly shootout takes place between rival gangs in a Panamanian prison that resulted in the death of 12 inmates and the injury of 13 others.

The incident was filmed at the La Joyita prison located around 22 miles from the central Panamanian capital Panama City and police spokesperson Alexis Munoz confirmed: “12 people have died while two are seriously injured and another 11 have been wounded by gunfire and are still being treated at the La Merced Clinic.”

The police said that all 12 victims were inmates and that the shootout was between rival gangs in the prison, one of the country’s most overcrowded, according to reports.

Official figures said the prison has 3,733 inmates which is 896 over the recommended maximum, according to local media.

Munoz also confirmed that the prison authorities managed to control the situation while admitting “there are many ways” of smuggling weapons into the facilities.

A prison spokesperson said that the ringleaders have been placed in isolation to prevent further incidents taking place, and that many of them will be transferred in the near future.

They also confirmed that they seized several weapons during prison raids, including three AK-47 assault rifles and three 9mm-caliber firearms, among others.

Video Credit: CEN

Panama President Laurentino Cortizo said: “This needs to stop right now. A week ago, weapons were found during another raid and now they have found more again which means the introduction of firearms is being allowed.”

The investigation continues.

Local media said that Panama has around 20 prisons with approximately 17,000 inmates.

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