Narco-trafficker escapes from NA Prison

Police and prison authorities in Berbice are on the hunt for a convicted prisoner, who escaped on Friday.
The prisoner has been identified as Suraj Singh, who is currently serving a sentence for trafficking in narcotics.
Singh reportedly scaled a fence at Glasgow, Greater New Amsterdam, and escaped. He was at the time clearing bushes at a property belonging to a local businessman when he escaped.
Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus said authorities at the New Amsterdam Prison informed him of the incident, but did not provide much information.
Reports are that Singh was part of a party of five inmates who were taken to the area to work. At the time of his escape, he was being supervised by one prison officer.
He reportedly claimed that he wanted to ease his bowels and asked to be allowed to go into some nearby bushes.
Shortly after, he was seen scaling a fence and subsequently made good his escape.
According to one villager, the prison officer gave chase, as initially, other prisoners attempted to give chase but were prevented from doing so by the prison officer.
The businessman and persons close to him gave chase as the escaping prisoner headed into the bushes further away from the housing area.
It is believed that he eventually reached the cane field.
Meanwhile, back in September 2022, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) had reported that Singh along with another man were arrested after a quantity of marijuana and a firearm with ammunition were found in a boat in which they were passengers at Manarabisi Canal in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Singh, 31, of Lot 69 Section B No 72 Village, Corentyne; and Mourice Vansluytman, 56, of Lot 18 Section A No 70 Village, Corentyne, were subsequently charged. They were subsequently found guilty by Magistrate Alex Moore.
Singh was convicted for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a firearm, and ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder.
As the search continues for Singh, authorities at the New Amsterdam Prison have put to a halt, all other similar engagements which resulted in inmates performing duties at business places or for private citizens.
According to one businessman, at about 13:00h on Friday, he was told that the prisoners he had hired had to return to the prison and he would not be able to have them work for him until systems are put in place to ensure that there will be proper security. (G4)