Drug Smuggling Prison Officer in Separate Cell
By Aabigayle McIntosh
Hugh James, the prison officer, who has been convicted and sentenced to two months in prison for smuggling drugs into the penal institution, will be kept in a segregated area within the prison.
Prison Superintendent Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Pennyfeather clarified that individuals in positions of authority, including police, military, and others, who violate regulations are typically segregated to ensure their safety to the best extent possible.
“He will be housed separately and will be treated a little differently,” he said.
The officer in question was arrested last Friday by military personnel as he was entering the facility to begin his shift.
“He reported for the 14:00 to 22:00 shift. As he entered the prison, he was challenged by the gatekeeper who said that he had an odor that smelled like if it was Narcotics. He was followed by the two military members supporting the gate security. In the vicinity of where he was found, the substances were found close by,” Pennyfeather said.
Concerns about the integrity of prison officers at His Majesty’s Prison have been raised before.
Over recent years, there have been suspicions of officers being involved in smuggling contraband into the facility.
While the incidents cannot be avoided, the prison boss said it is crucial to continue implementing measures to ensure that prison officers meet protocols.
“We must appreciate that there must be some semblance of integrity and commitment. We do spot searches from time to time and we follow up on information that is received,” Pennyfeather said.
This story was first published by Antigua News on May 16, 2024: antigua.news/2024/05/16/drug-smuggling-prison-officer-in-separate-cell. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Josey May 16, 2024, 12:30 PM