The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) seized 163 cellular phones and 78 weapons during coordinated searches at its facilities in the first quarter of this fiscal year.
The efforts form part of the DCS’ drive to enhance security and surveillance.
The update was provided by Commissioner of Corrections Brigadier (retired) Radgh Mason, during Parliament’s Internal and External Affairs Committee meeting yesterday.
He added that 23 correctional officers are before the courts for attempting to traffic contraband into the prisons, while a number of civilians have been charged for a similar offence.
Commissioner Mason said inmates may soon have access to secure communication technology.
He said the DCS has acquired advanced scanners and is in the process of acquiring telephone jammers.