BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DESPITE ongoing efforts by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and officers at His Majesty’s Prison in Basseterre to prevent the smuggling of contraband, individuals continue to attempt illicit deliveries.
The latest incident occurred a week ago, with a young woman now identified as the perpetrator.
Police have named Meldesha Woods of Stapleton Village as the individual caught attempting to smuggle contraband into the prison. She has since been charged with the offence of Conveying Contraband into His Majesty’s Prison.
The incident took place on March 7 at the Basseterre facility, and Woods was officially charged the following day at the Basseterre Police Station. Law enforcement officials have not identified what she allegedly sought to smuggle into the facility.
In recent weeks, authorities have charged multiple individuals in connection with contraband smuggling attempts. In January, Steadroy Jules of St. Paul was charged with attempting to smuggle cannabis, tobacco, and rolling papers into the prison.
On November 21, 2024, police charged Prison Officer Tristan Johnson of Market Street with the offence of Conveying Contraband, specifically cannabis, into His Majesty’s Prison.
This case followed multiple incidents in October, including an alleged smuggling attempt on October 20, 2024. In that case, Shajuan Walters of Lodge Village and Ashaki Rogers of Shadwell Estate were charged on October 23.
The extent of contraband smuggling within the prison was underscored last July when a joint operation uncovered numerous prohibited items. Authorities seized five cell phones, 19 chargers, three charging heads, 11 cigarette lighters, a Game Boy, a pair of scissors, screwdrivers, makeshift weapons, cannabis, tobacco, and seven bottles of homemade wine, among other items.
