“Don’t take set-up” – official warns public against smuggling contraband in prisons

Members of the Public are warned to be cautious when visiting correctional facilities, warning that seemingly harmless favours, like delivering items to inmates, could land them in serious legal trouble.
The reminder came from Chief Prison Officer Desmond Darlington during a televised discussion on ‘Prisons in Focus’, hosted by the Guyana Prison Service. Speaking specifically about practices at the New Amsterdam Prison, Darlington warned that some visitors, including those with good intentions, may unknowingly become conduits for contraband.
“I want to know which persons would have visited the prison by some means, in terms of visiting their loved ones or so on. Be focused and don’t take, as they term it, ‘don’t take setup,’” he said. “Don’t be influenced by persons in there to smuggle things.”
The term “setup”, according to officers, refers to situations where inmates persuade outside contacts or even unfamiliar persons to carry items into the prison on their behalf, often without disclosing the contents.
“Most of those persons don’t know what they are bringing; if it is ammunition, if it is drugs, or nothing, they are not aware of what they are bringing,” Darlington stated.
He stressed that whether or not visitors are aware of the contents, the consequences remain severe under prison law. “The offence is a serious one, and the penalty can be really severe,” he warned.
The reminder comes amid increased efforts by prison authorities to reinforce security and reduce contraband entering the prison system. While multiple infrastructure projects are underway at New Amsterdam and other major prisons, officers say the human factor, including staff, contractors, and visitors, remains a key area of concern.
Darlington urged visitors to conduct personal checks of any items they may be asked to deliver, especially if the items are not packaged by them directly. “Even if it is something you do daily, self-support or whatsoever, ensure that you search the stuff before you deliver it so that you won’t get in contact with illegal things smuggled into the prison,” he advised.
His remarks echoed broader security sentiments expressed by other prison officials on the same panel, who emphasised the balance between managing ongoing construction projects and maintaining control of inmate activities.
The Guyana Prison Service continues to upgrade facilities and implement new security protocols, including on-site virtual courts, vocational training workshops, and staff housing. However, visitor vigilance remains an essential component of its security posture.
Just last week, a 29-year-old school cleaner was charged after allegedly attempting to smuggle nine SIM cards into the Camp Street Prison hidden inside a tube of toothpaste. The woman, Shevaghn Samuels of Hogg Street, Albouystown, told the court she had no idea the bag she delivered contained contraband and claimed she was doing a favour for someone she knew personally. “I didn’t know what was inside,” Samuels reportedly said during her appearance before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.
She was granted $50,000 bail, and the matter was adjourned to July 23.