Ministry of Home Affairs Press Release

The Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn has been briefed by the Director of Prisons, Mr. Gladwin Samuels regarding the recent discovery of a quantity of suspected narcotics at the Prison Officers’ Quarters, located at the Lusignan Prison Officers’ Sports Club.

Based on the report from Mr. Samuels, a search was conducted and a quantity of suspected cannabis was found. At the time of the search, two Prison Officers were occupying the quarters.

An investigation into the incident has been launched and the two Officers were questioned about the illicit drugs, but denied knowledge.

The matter was reported to the Police and suspected narcotics handed over to the Police. The item was weighed and amounted to eight hundred and ninety-four (894) grams.

Both ranks were arrested and taken into Police custody.

On Monday, November 16, 2020 Prison Officer Jemmott was charged with the offence “Trafficking in Cannabis”. He attended the Vigilance Magistrates’ Court and was placed on one hundred and fifty thousand ($150,000.00) dollars bail.

His next court appearance is on March 22, 2021. No evidence was discovered linking the other Prison Officer to the illicit drugs and he has since been released from custody.  

The Ministry of Homes Affairs reiterated its zero tolerance for rogue members of the law enforcement agencies and will continue to support every effort to root out those elements from the system.