Lovelette Brooks, Special Projects Editor

THREE prison officials have been fired for trafficking illegal drugs to inmates since the start of 2007, according to Commissioner of Corrections, Major Richard Reese.

He told The Sunday Gleaner that over 40 officers are currently on interdiction or leave as a result of investigations and enquiries carried out by the Department of Correctional Services.

"We conduct investigations into all breaches of security and all criminal offences are reported to the local police for investigation," Major Reese said. "Staff who are the subject of an investigation may be placed on leave, interdicted or be reassigned pending disposal of the case."

Security breach

He noted that the majority of officers are committed to purging the organisation of delinquent officials.

The use of illegal drugs in local prisons is a breach of security, but Major Reese said the problem is not unique to Jamaica. "It's the greatest challenge facing correctional institutions worldwide," he said. According to Major Reese, contraband, cellphones, phone cards, Rizzla paper, appliances, cigarettes and alcohol find their way into prisons."

"Traffickers include visitors, associates and persons living in the vicinity of the institution who throw items over the walls, especially in areas where the institution is in a residential or commercial area," Major Reese said.

Drug interdiction measures

He pointed to a number of drug interdiction measures implemented by the Correctional Services to counter drug trafficking in prisons - searches of all persons including staff, as well as vehicles entering and leaving institutions. Major Reese said over 300 officers have been specially trained in systematic search in collaboration with the Caribbean Search Centre.