Mexico investigates prison guards in jail break

The probe comes after gunmen dressed as police freed six inmates

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updated 8:21 p.m. ET May 18, 2008

VERACRUZ, Mexico - Five prison guards are under investigation in southern Mexico, two days after gunmen dressed as police freed six suspected drug-cartel hit men in a sophisticated jail break, a prosecutor said Sunday.

Two guards and three policemen at a prison in the Gulf coast city of Coatzacoalcos have been placed under investigation and are free on bail pending the results of the probe, Assistant Veracruz State Prosecutor Jorge Yunis said.

At least 10 gunmen using fake federal police uniforms, assault rifles and a forged warrant for an inmate's transfer barged into the prison on Friday, walking out with six men who had been imprisoned on weapons charges.

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Several prison guards who tried to resist were overcome by the gang, but not injured. At least five other guards are being investigated for possible dereliction of duty.

The fugitive inmates are believed to be members of the Zetas, a drug-cartel hit gang, but officials have yet to confirm that.

Mexico's increasingly brazen drug gangs have assaulted hospitals, jails and even morgues to recover captured, wounded or killed colleagues in recent years.