A coordinated intelligence-led exercise has resulted in the arrest and formal charging of a Prison Officer attached to the Arouca Maximum Security Prison for multiple serious offences, including drug trafficking and the unlawful possession of prohibited articles.
On Wednesday 11th June, 2025, a joint intelligence operation was conducted between the hours of 12:05pm and 11pm. The investigation stems from an initial report made on Tuesday 20th May, 2025, when officers received credible information regarding a 28-year-old Prison Officer 1, of Williamsville,
allegedly being in possession of prohibited items while on duty at the Arouca Maximum Security Prison.
Following preliminary inquiries, the suspect was arrested and later released pending further investigations. Subsequently, on Wednesday 11th June 2025 he was re-arrested outside the Arouca Maximum Security Prison. A search warrant was executed at his residence, however, no illegal items were
discovered at that location. Investigations continued under the guidance of Ag/ASP Mongroo.
On Friday 13th June 2025, after further interviews conducted by Cpls.
Seechan and Williams, legal advice was sought from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which led to the following charges being laid:
- Misbehavior in Public Office – for trafficking a dangerous drug (Cocaine) into the prison in exchange for payment.
- Misbehavior in Public Office – for bringing prohibited items into the prison, including multiple cellular phones, sim cards, chargers, headsets, and USB cables.
- Trafficking in a Dangerous Drug – specifically Cocaine, into the Arouca Maximum Security Prison.
The suspect was formally charged on Saturday 14th June 2025 by Cpl. Williams and is currently at the Besson Street Police Station. He is scheduled to appear before the Arima Masters Court today Monday 16th June 2025 to answer the charges.
The operation was coordinated by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Suzette Martin, along with Senior Superintendent of the Port of Spain Division, Senior Superintendent of the Special Investigations Unit, and was supported by the Commissioner of Prisons. Additional support came from Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police Ashley Mongroo of the Port of Spain Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and ASP Lynch of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The exercise was executed by officers from various units, including the SIU, the Southern Division Task Force.