British former inmate Natalie Welsh has described life inside Venezuela’s notorious San Antonio prison as ‘like a war zone’ – and revealed how inmates patrolled the walls with shotguns.
Natalie Welsh recounted her experience in the podcast, telling the shocking stories of intense clashes between rival gangs inside the prison, where even the police avoided stepping in due to the chaotic and violent environment. She described how the prison, located on the Venezuelan island of Margarita, was run by the inmates themselves, who had their own rule and control over the daily activities within the prison walls. Despite the dangerous living conditions, the prison had unexpected amenities, including a swimming pool, restaurants, and even a nightclub for the inmates to enjoy, while simultaneously being held captive in such a hostile environment.
Natalie’s life took a dramatic turn when she was arrested in Venezuela for smuggling cocaine. Her journey into crime was rooted in a troubled past, starting with a history of wayward behavior and violent abuse from her stepfather. By the age of 21, she was addicted to crack cocaine and had been recruited by a cocaine-smuggling gang. She desired the lifestyle of her colleagues, who owned luxurious homes and possessions, which fueled her involvement in drug trafficking. However, her intentions to get clean and provide a better life for herself and her daughter were cut short when she was caught at a Venezuelan airport with a suitcase full of cocaine. This led to her imprisonment in San Antonio prison, where she faced deplorable conditions and harsh treatment.
Upon her arrival at San Antonio prison, Natalie was shocked to witness fellow inmates armed with shotguns patrolling the prison walls. The prison was a mixed-sex facility, where male and female prisoners could freely interact. However, tensions often ran high between the two main criminal cartels who vied for control within the prison. Natalie described the environment as a constant battle zone, with inmates engaging in gang wars that would erupt frequently and uncontrollably. The lack of intervention from the guards led to long-lasting violent clashes, creating a state of perpetual fear and danger within the prison walls.
Despite the challenges and dangers she faced, Natalie managed to survive her time in the San Antonio prison. She eventually transferred to another jail after forming a romantic relationship with one of the guards. With this help, she was able to escape and make her way to the Colombian border before returning to the UK. Her story is a testament to the resilience and determination required to survive in such a hostile and violent environment. Natalie has since found work and shared her experiences by writing a book about her time in Venezuela’s “deadliest prison,” shedding light on the brutal reality of life behind bars under such extreme circumstances.
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