More contraband found
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SUPERITNENDENT of Prisons Junie ‘Scrape’ Hodge has indicated that more stringent security measures would be implemented at Her Majesty’s Prison.
This he told to SKNVibes following the issuance of a press release from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force which explained that contraband was found in the prison after search operations - which form part of “Operation Safe Streets” - were conducted.
It informed that shanks and cellphones were among the confiscated items.
“An early morning search operation on Tuesday (September 20) at Her Majesty's Prison on St. Kitts and a simultaneous search at the Prison Farm on Nevis signaled the start of 'Operation Safe Streets' by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force…The search at the Prison facilities discovered a number of contraband items including cell phones, sim cards, cash, home-made shanks and other illegal items.
The police communique quoted Superintendent Hodge as expressing that such operations “are essential in ensuring that our prison is free from contraband…This find shows that our Prison Officers must always be vigilant and these breaches will be addressed…We will use this as a lesson and will continue our efforts to ensure no contraband gets into our facilities…”
Also expressed in the release is a warning from the Superintendent that prosecution would be the portion of those who are caught smuggling contraband into the prison.
And in brief interview with this publication, Hodge explained that security at the prisons would be improved.
“As a result of the find, more stringent security measures would be put in place and security at the entrance of the facility would also be increased”.
Several months ago, contraband was discovered at the prison. These included cellphones, lighters and marijuana.
“Operation Safe Streets is a combined law enforcement operation led by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force with support from law enforcement partners, the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise Department, Her Majesty's Prison and the Regional Security System.”
It is geared towards “removing illegal firearms, ammunition, illegal drugs and instruments that can be used to commit crimes from our communities”.
