Trinidad and Tobago: Female prison officer arrested over alleged contraband at Golden Grove
A prison officer with more than 19 years of service was detained after prohibited items were allegedly found during a routine security check at Golden Grove Prison.
Trinidad and Tobago: A female prison officer has been arrested for reportedly being found with prohibited items during a prison security check at the Golden Grove Prison on Monday, August 24.
The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service (TTPS) reported that the officer has been in service for more than 19 years. She was caught on Monday morning at approximately 8:48 a.m.
The reports noted that articles were discovered in her possession during a routine security check at the prison. Following the discovery, the officers from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) immediately responded and subsequently escorted the woman to the Arouca Police Station.
She has been detained at the Arouca Police Station, and is currently assisting with the police inquiries. She is further expected to be formally charged as the investigations continue.
Prison Services has been carrying out several security checks and operations to stop prohibited articles from entering correctional facilities and this arrest marks a significant development in this effort. Officials have reported several seizures of prohibited items including cigarettes, marijuana, cellphones and several other contraband.
The Prison Service has noted that it continues to maintain a zero-tolerance position for the illicit trafficking and illegal activity by staff members within its institutions.
Elvin Scanterbury, Acting Commissioner of Prisons, appreciated and praised the officers who discovered the items and disclosed the alleged activity as the person responsible was one of their colleagues.
He also expressed great concern over the incident and noted that this is the first recorded instance of a female prison officer being found trafficking contraband within the service. However, he announced that the rules remain the same for everyone and they will face consequences of their actions.
He stressed that neither gender nor rank places anyone above the law.
Further investigations into the matter and discovery are underway as the police officers carry out further security checks in their institutions.
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Sasha Baptiste reports on local Caribbean news with a strong focus on crime, justice, community issues, and entertainment. With a background in sociology and journalism, she brings a grounded, people-centered perspective to her reporting, shedding light on the challenges and resilience within Caribbean societies.
