The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service advised that on Thursday between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., a targeted search exercise was conducted at the Maximum Security Prison, Arouca, based on intelligence received regarding the use of drones to deliver contraband items into the facility.
During the exercise, one cell in the B Division was searched, resulting in the seizure of 33 packs of Lucky Strike cigarettes.
Additional checks were conducted on the rooftop of the prison, where officers discovered and confiscated a further 16 packs of Lucky Strike cigarettes concealed inside a black sock.
Investigations are continuing, and three inmates are expected to be charged in connection with the discovery of the prohibited articles.
The exercise forms part of the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service’s ongoing intelligence-led efforts to detect and prevent the introduction of contraband into the prisons.
Acting Commissioner of Prisons, Elvin Scanterbury, commended all officers involved in the exercise for their vigilance, professionalism and dedication to maintaining the security of the nation’s prisons, noting that the fight against the introduction of contraband remains an uphill task, particularly as criminal elements continue to employ evolving methods and technology to circumvent established security measures.
According to a media release, “the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the safety and security of its prisons through strengthened collaboration and continued support from external law enforcement agencies.”
