Prison authority: Riot in Venezuelan lockup leaves 8 dead

Venezuelan prison riot leaves 8 inmates dead

CARACAS, Venezuela — A riot at one of Venezuela’s most violent prisons has left eight inmates dead and three injured.

Venezuela’s top prison authority says the violence at the Santa Ana Prison in the western state of Tachira began after rival gands fought for control of cell blocks.

Consuelo Cerrada told Venezuelan state television that National Guard troops had retaken control of the prison after the Tuesday riot.

Violence is common in Venezuela’s overcrowded prisons, where rival gangs often fight for control of cell blocks or the sale of illegal drugs. Some corrupt guards sell weapons to inmates.