A correctional officer and two inmates are now being investigated in relation to contraband finds at the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre on Sunday.

In the first instance, about 8:30 a.m., ex-death row inmate Devon McTaggart and inmate Delroy Dennis were held with nine parcels of vegetable matter resembling ganja each weighing approximately 1¹/² lb.

In the second instance, about 10:00 a.m., Corporal Lloyd Wright, who is assigned to the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, was observed to be acting suspiciously and was challenged.

Corporal held, searched

When challenged, the corporal reportedly ran and was observed throwing five packages over the wall in the area of 'B' block. He was subsequently held and searched and five additional packages with vegetable matter resembling ganja were found on his person. The matter was reported to the St. Catherine North police who are conducting investigations into the matter.

Commissioner of Corrections Major Richard Reese said that the find indicates that the measures put in place to reduce these activities were working.

Since the start of the year, 15 persons have been held for trafficking contraband at the island's correctional centres.