Prison officers seized 1,800 cigarettes, 1,114 grammes of plant-like material resembling marijuana and a cellular phone during a targeted search at the Port of Spain Prison on Wednesday.
The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service said the search was conducted at approximately 11:30am on August 19th, based on intelligence received about packages being thrown over the prison’s perimeter wall.
During the search, three one-gallon bottles were discovered and, upon inspection, were found to contain 1,800 cigarettes, 1,114 grammes of plant-like material resembling marijuana, four rolls of wrapping paper, one cellular phone, two SIM cards and eight AAA batteries.
The Prison Service reminded the public that introducing prohibited articles into prison facilities is unlawful, and anyone who engages in, facilitates or is otherwise found culpable of such activities will be subject to the full brunt of the law.
It said it will continue to maintain heightened vigilance and conduct intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing prohibited articles from entering its facilities.
Acting Commissioner of Prisons Elvin Scanterbury also commended the officers involved in the exercise for their commitment, professionalism and vigilance.
He acknowledged the demanding work undertaken by prison officers daily to safeguard the security of the nation’s prisons and stressed that continued vigilance is critical to disrupting contraband trafficking networks.