Prison officer on $100,000 bail for smuggling narcotics into Lusignan prison

Deondray Clarke, a 25-year-old prison officer from Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was placed on $100,000 bail after being charged with attempting to smuggle narcotics into Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Clarke was arrested on Wednesday, by ranks from the Vigilance Police Station. He faces charges of Introducing Narcotics into a Prison Facility, contrary to Section 7(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10. The charge stems from an incident on the same day at Lusignan Prison, where Clarke was allegedly found in possession of 28.4 grams of cannabis.
Clarke appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at Vigilance Magistrate’s Court #1, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The matter was adjourned to April 24, 2025, for a report.

This incident comes amid heightened efforts by the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to combat the smuggling of contraband into the nation’s prisons.
Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot, issued a stern warning to both members of the public and prison officers involved in such illegal activities, that they will face the full force of the law. In recent years, there have been multiple attempts to smuggle drugs, mobile phones, and other contraband into various correctional facilities.
These attempts have been ongoing, despite increased monitoring and surveillance measures implemented at all prison locations.
Elliot emphasised that while efforts are underway to improve physical structures and technological systems in prisons, the primary focus remains on human vigilance. He warned that any officer or individual found collaborating to smuggle illegal items into prisons would be held accountable.
This arrest serves as part of the ongoing crackdown on prison corruption, and authorities have made it clear that there will be no leniency for officers caught breaking the law.