Weapons, cellphones, and narcotics are among the contraband frequently found in local prisons, but the Guyana Prison Service is stepping up efforts to crack down on the issue, according to Director Nicklon Elliot.

“While this issue has not disappeared, we took several measures to prevent contraband from entering the prison,” Elliot said on this week’s ‘Safeguarding the Nation’ programme.

The Director of Prisons said new and improved walkthrough body and bag scanners are being installed, and a new AI-powered surveillance system is being developed. Additionally, officers are being outfitted with body cameras.

Altogether, he explained, these measures are meant to stop members of the public and officers from smuggling contraband into the prisons.

“We do take this issue very seriously,” Elliot emphasised.

It was reported that nine civilians were apprehended last year for smuggling contraband into local prisons. Additionally, two prison officers were dismissed after they were involved in similar offences.