An attempt to smuggle contraband into the Guyana Prison Service’s Lusignan Prison was thwarted Saturday morning when prison officers intercepted a visitor carrying cannabis hidden in his footwear.
Timothy McGarrell, a resident of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, was arrested during a routine checkpoint search upon his arrival at the facility. Officers discovered a quantity of cannabis concealed under the soles of his slippers. The narcotics were promptly confiscated, and McGarrell was taken into custody before being handed over to police authorities. He is expected to face charges for trafficking prohibited items into a correctional facility.
Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot praised the vigilance of the officers on duty, noting that ongoing efforts to enhance internal security are proving effective. “We commend the ranks for their diligence in ensuring the safety and security of our facilities,” Elliot stated.
In a stern message to the public, he warned against attempting to traffic contraband into prison facilities. “Such actions will be detected and prosecuted,” he emphasized.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a similar smuggling attempt at the New Amsterdam Prison, where an 18-year-old woman from Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice was apprehended. She was found with three parcels of cannabis concealed inside two men’s Gillette deodorant containers, wrapped in a black plastic bag in her handbag during a routine search.
The recent arrests were discussed in the latest episode of the monthly televised programme Prisons in Focus by the GPS, where senior officials cautioned the public against facilitating illegal activities within prison walls. Assistant Director of Prisons Olivia Cox addressed the issue, highlighting that many individuals claim ignorance about the contents of items they are asked to deliver.
“Just like your relatives will tell you when you’re going to the airport — do not hold anything, do not take anything from anyone,” Cox advised.
She explained that individuals often believe they are merely assisting friends or family but end up caught in illegal activities. “You’re only going to put yourself behind bars with those persons,” she warned.
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons and Head of Prison Training Abeid Dikuna reinforced the message, urging the public not to enable negative behaviors among inmates. “Do not, under any circumstances, empower those negative changes,” he stated, stressing that multiple layers of security screening at all facilities ensure illegal items are detected.
Prison officials have reiterated their appeal for the public to avoid accepting packages from third parties and to verify the contents of any items before delivery to correctional institutions.
