Large-Scale raid at HMP uncovers contraband items

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – POLICE have released details of a major joint operation at His Majesty’s Prison in Basseterre, conducted on Tuesday (July 9), which led to the seizure of a significant quantity of contraband items.

The announcement came this afternoon (Jul. 10), following heightened public interest sparked by social media posts that emerged while the raid was still ongoing. Authorities withheld official information until the operation concluded, citing security concerns.

According to a statement from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), the coordinated raid took place between 4:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and involved multiple national security agencies. These included the RSCNPF’s Special Services Unit (SSU), Anti-Narcotics Unit, and Joint Security Operations Tactical Team (JSOTT); the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Infantry; Customs and Excise officers; and members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Prison Service.

The full search of the prison compound resulted in the confiscation of 15 cellular phones, a quantity of marijuana, several improvised weapons (shanks), cigarettes and tobacco, lighters, containers of fermented liquor, and a range of other prohibited items.

"These findings form part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the integrity and security of the correctional system, and to prevent or intercept any coordination of criminal activity from within the facility,” the police stated.

The repeated discovery of contraband inside the prison has raised serious concerns about internal security and how these items are consistently smuggled into the facility. Questions also remain about accountability, as authorities have yet to disclose who may be responsible or how many individuals are involved in the ongoing breaches.

In a similar raid last July, SKNVibes News reported the seizure of five cell phones, 19 chargers, three charger heads, an extension cord, wines, 11 cigarette lighters, a razor, a Gameboy, an iron file, scissors, screwdrivers, several shanks, a quantity of cannabis and tobacco, and seven bottles of homemade wine, among other items.

Despite the implementation of additional security measures, including the use of scanners, contraband continues to find its way into the prison. There is growing concern that inmates may be using mobile phones to coordinate violent acts, including potential contract killings, from within the prison walls.

Over the years, several individuals have been charged with attempting to smuggle items into the facility.

The Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the problem.

"Together with our partner agencies, the Force continues to work diligently to restore discipline, curb illicit activity, and ensure that the nation’s correctional institutions are not used as safe havens for criminal coordination," the police added.