Anti Gang Law

Authorities arrested 18 people, including 17 men and one woman, in Sulaco, Yoro, as part of a nationwide operation against the Devil Cartel following enactment of a new law toughening penalties for gang and criminal organization members.

The National Police launched operations in Guaimaca to erase gang markings following Congress's October 27 approval of a law that classifies gangs as terrorist organizations and imposes up to 10 years in prison for painting or spreading gang symbols.

A new law requiring individual isolation and maximum-security confinement for prisoners identified as members of terrorist organizations, gangs, or maras took effect after publication in the official gazette on September 26.

Congress President Tomás Zambrano announced plans to vet justice-system officials for ties to criminal activity, following congressional approval of reforms that tighten confinement rules for gang and terrorist-organization members.