Phones, ganja seized from parlour near prison

NALINEE SEELAL

POLICE yesterday raided a parlour opposite the Port of Spain prison, arresting two men in their 30s and a 45-year-old woman, and seized 15 cellphones and a quantity of drugs. All the phones were fully charged.

The three were taken to Port of Spain CID, where they were questioned about phones, drugs, cigarettes and other illegal items being smuggled into the prison.

Shortly after 10 am, police led by Port of Spain CID head acting Snr Supt Ajith Persad and including Insps Harvey, Jawahir and Powder, Sgt Anthony Williams and others surrounded and searched the parlour.

Police are trying to determine if there is any link between the parlour and prison officers who may be responsible for taking contraband into the prison.

Two weeks ago, during a joint operation between the police and prison officers, the prison was locked down and searched. The authorities found marijuana, cigarettes and other contraband items in a prison officer’s locker.

Yesterday, Prisons Commissioner Gerard Wilson said he was certain the information about cellphones and drugs being sold for smuggling from the prison would have come from his officers.

“That may have been intel from our people, who may have gotten information that this was taking place, and may have shared it with the police.

“I welcome the investigation and if officers are named let the chips fall where they may.

I will be happy to get rid of them,” Wilson said.

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