A prisons officer with over 24 years' service was arrested after a quantity of illegal items were found in his possession as he reported for duty at the Carrera Convict Prison at Carrera Island on Thursday.
According to a report, at about 2.25 pm the Prisons Officer I, who was under surveillance for some time, was searched after reporting for duty and found to be in possession of contraband items, including cell phones, marijuana, a phone charger and headsets.
The operation was spearheaded by acting Supt of Prisons Ricardo Edwards with the assistance of acting Assistant Supt of Prisons Wendell Lewis.
The officer was cautioned and officers from the Carenage Police Station were called in to assist the prison officers with inquiries into the matter.
Acting Commissioner of Prisons Shamshudeen Mohammed commended his officers for their diligence and professionalism in confiscating the items. Whilst Mohammed condemned the actions of the officer, he urged hard-working officers to continue to excel job despite the negative elements who continue to bring the service into disrepute.
"The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service continues to strive for excellence and effectiveness, as it holds its mandate of maintenance of public safety and security in high regard,” Mohammed said.