Authorities entering the Topo Chico prison to investigate a riot that left 49 people dead found fish tanks, mini-fridges and hundreds of food stalls

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Luxuries that would not be out of place in a five-star hotel have been discovered in a prison in northern Mexico following a riot that killed 49 inmates.

Investigators in Nuevo Leon state found saunas, bars, food stands, fish tanks, digital cable and mini-fridges inside some of the cells of Monterrey’s Topo Chico prison.

Mexico's deadliest prison riot underlines power of cartels inside Read more

The items were among privileges granted to organised crime leaders at the prison but removed after the outbreak of violence.

Authorities also found 280 food and grocery stands where inmates could buy goods.

The fatal riot broke out on Thursday between two rival factions of the Zetas drug cartel.

Heavy machinery was brought in to haul away tonnes of contraband furniture and other goods that had been piled in the prison yard, a statement from the authorities said.

It added that police destroyed hundreds of altars to the Death Saint — some of them life-sized. The folk figure is revered by drug traffickers and some of Mexico’s most disadvantaged.

The Nuevo Leon governor, Jaime Rodriguez, said 60 hammers, 86 knives and 120 shiv blades were used in the riot.

The prison’s director, superintendent and a guard have been arrested on murder charges.

On Monday a United Nations official called on Mexico’s government to conduct an exhaustive investigation of the violence.

Special rapporteur for torture Juan Mendez said the government must guarantee that the victims’ families know what happened during the riot at the Topo Chico prison in the northern city of Monterrey.

The investigation should identify those responsible and include reparations for the victims’ relatives, Mendez said.

Mendez toured the prison in 2014. He said he witnessed horrible conditions and lax rules that allowed prisoners to govern themselves and led to violence.