GPS to launch “Stop and Search” initiative to curb contraband being smuggled into prisons

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) will be introducing a “Stop and Search” initiative within the confines of each prison location, in a bid to end the continued flow of contraband being smuggled into the prisons.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot in a statement to the media warned members of the public who are found colluding in trafficking contraband into the various prisons countrywide will be arrested and placed before the courts.
He also alluded to the recent attempts by members of the public to throw contraband items over the prison fences.
Elliot said that while there is increased monitoring and surveillance at all prison locations, over the past weeks it was observed that several attempts were made by members of the public to throw contraband (narcotics and cigarettes) over the prison fences.
This, he said, continues to pose significant challenges to the service. However, Elliot is reminding the public that it is an offence under Section 53 (1) of the Prison Act for persons to throw any item over the prison fence, which attracts a fine or a period of imprisonment.
Elliot indicated that the GPS will be erecting signs at strategic points outside of the prisons, warning the public to desist and the consequences attach to such an act.
Furthermore, the Prison Director also mentioned that the Prison Administration and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), will be engaging residents living in close proximity to the various prisons of the situation.

Further, he added that a built-up civilian population living in close proximity to the prisons would have contributed to the increased contraband items being smuggled into the prions.
Meanwhile, the latest efforts from members of the public to smuggle contraband into a prison were thwarted by prison officers attached to the New Amsterdam Prison on May 16 and 17 last.
A bag containing 2275 grams of narcotics and 12 cartons of cigarettes was retrieved and handed over to the Police.