The national security ministry is reporting that five correctional officers have been arrested and 40 mobile phones seized since it implemented increased security measures at the island’s penal institutions.
In a release this afternoon, the security ministry said investigators working with the leadership of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) uncovered several instances of correctional officers attempting to smuggle mobile phones and other digital devices into prison facilities.
This resulted in four correctional officers from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility being arrested and 36 mobile phones seized.
The ministry said a fifth correctional officer was charged on the weekend.
Additionally, four mobile phones were seized at the Tamarind Farm facility.
The security ministry said a number of inmates are also being prosecuted as a result.
The increased security measures were announced on February 28 by State Minister Senator Pearnel Charles Jr in a bid to cut corruption and clamp down on reports of criminal activities occurring within the prisons.
