Man jailed for 3 years for smuggling narcotics into Lusignan Prison

A labourer, Timothy Mc Garrell, of Timehri Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara, was sentenced to three years in prison after being charged with attempting to introduce narcotics into a correctional facility, following his guilty plea.
The 24-year-old man was charged with introducing narcotics into prison, contrary to Section 7(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10. The offence was committed on Tuesday at Lusignan Prison.
He appeared on Wednesday before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined $30,000.
The charge arose from an incident on Tuesday when prison officers intercepted McGarrell during routine security checks at the Lusignan facility. During a search, ranks discovered a quantity of cannabis concealed beneath the soles of his slippers. The narcotics were immediately seized, and McGarrell was taken into custody before being handed over to the police.

Officials from the Guyana Prison Service reported that the discovery was made during standard checkpoint procedures, which are part of the Service’s enhanced internal security measures. Authorities noted that the successful interception reflected increased vigilance among prison ranks.
The incident occurred just days after a similar smuggling attempt was thwarted at the New Amsterdam Prison, where an 18-year-old woman was arrested after cannabis was found hidden inside deodorant containers in her handbag during a routine search.
Prison officials have since reiterated that members of the public should avoid accepting packages from third parties for delivery to inmates and should ensure they are fully aware of the contents of any items brought to correctional institutions. They warned that individuals who facilitate or participate in such activities risk facing criminal charges and imprisonment.
The matter was also addressed recently during the Prisons in Focus, where senior officers highlighted the growing number of persons claiming ignorance after being caught with contraband. Officials stressed that multiple layers of security screening are in place at prison facilities and that prohibited items are likely to be detected.
The Guyana Prison Service has maintained that it will continue strengthening its security systems and enforcement measures to prevent the trafficking of illegal substances and other prohibited items into correctional institutions.