El Salvador says police lent gangs ammo, uniforms, vehicles

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Federal prosecutors in El Salvador have issued arrest warrants for several local police officers who allegedly lent gang members uniforms, vehicles and ammunition to commit extortion.

The police in the town of Zacatecoluca allegedly worked for members of the Barrio 18 gang, and some officers had ties to the gang itself.

Chief prosecutor Douglas Melendez said Tuesday that 12 officers had been arrested and eight others are being sought.

The gang members extorted money from vendors at local markets. The town is home to a prison where many gang members are held. Imprisoned gang members allegedly gave orders to run the extortion racket.

The town’s police chief is now considered a fugitive.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles