Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, August 16, 2026 – A search of Puerto Vallarta’s state prison recovered suspected marijuana residue, six razor blades, tools and digital storage devices during the seventh security sweep conducted at Ceinjure Costa Norte since February’s mass escape.
The inspection results cover the operation carried out Wednesday, August 12, at the Ixtapa facility. Vallarta Daily reported the deployment as it unfolded, before authorities released a seizure list. State Penitentiary Police led the search with the Mexican Army, National Guard and prison staff.
Teams inspected common areas, a terrace, gym, technical zones, corridors, workshops, dining hall, kitchen and housing modules. The report placed 180 incarcerated people inside the facility at the time. The sweep ended without injuries or other incidents.
The sharp-object and tool seizure consisted of six razor blades, 10 screwdrivers, three pliers and six electric razors. Inspectors also removed two USB memory devices, two USB chargers, 18 speakers, 30 DVD discs, three watches and a lamp.
A separate group of prohibited objects included two metal grills, two trophies made with metal and glass, about 30 meters of cable, six meters of hose and three perfumes in glass bottles. Four blankets in colors barred under prison rules, six caps and seven pairs of dark glasses were also removed.
The suspected drug seizure was limited to a bag containing green plant residue described as having the characteristics of marijuana. The material was secured pending analysis.
State Penitentiary Police searched the full complex with support from the Defense Secretariat and National Guard. The breadth of the operation and the detailed inventory mark a follow-up to the August 12 deployment, which initially produced no public account of what officers had found.
The inspection was the seventh since 23 inmates escaped from the Ixtapa prison on February 22. Vallarta Daily reported Wednesday that 15 of the escapees remained at large. Earlier post-escape searches recovered drugs and improvised weapons and led to transfers out of the facility, while a May operation drew about 100 personnel.
