NA inmate denies Prison Officer’s involvement in alleged smuggling ring

An inmate at the New Amsterdam (NA) prison, who works in the prison’s barbershop, has denied the involvement of a junior prison officer in the alleged smuggling of illegal drugs inside the penitentiary.

The News Room had reported allegations that marijuana was smuggled into the facility by a prison officer for a high-profile inmate who is being housed there.  Police investigators from the Central Police Station in NA were also called in to investigate.

When contacted on Thursday, Prison Director (ag), Nicklon Elliott said the matter was still being investigated. He said based on statements provided by the inmate, in whose possession the marijuana was found, the items were reportedly thrown over the fence at the prison.

The inmate claimed he retrieved it and carried it into the barbershop where it was being kept to be handed over to the high-profile inmate. The marijuana was found before it could get to the prisoner who Elliott said has since been transferred from the facility.

He said while the prison officer, who is being associated with the find, is on sick leave, the allegations are still being investigated.  On Saturday last, Elliott told the News Toom that the prisoner was acting suspiciously and when confronted and searched by prison wardens, the marijuana was found.

Soon after, it was alleged by sources inside the prison that the prohibited items were smuggled into the penitentiary by the prison officer moments before the bust was made.