Guyana: Prison Officer Arrested for Concealing Marijuana in Ensure Bottles

A prison officer in Guyana was arrested for hiding 856 grams of marijuana in ‘Ensure’ bottles. His colleague discovered the drugs during a search, leading to further investigations that uncovered more narcotics at Benn’s residence. Four individuals were charged, with Benn sentenced to two years and five months in prison, while others received bail.

A prison officer in Guyana has been apprehended for possessing 856 grams of suspected marijuana concealed within ‘Ensure’ bottles. Prison Officer Jasen Johnson discovered the narcotics during a routine search of his colleague Walter Benn, who had returned from completing a document-related task. The police reported that Benn carried an ‘Ensure’ bottle in a black plastic bag, which revealed the suspected cannabis upon inspection.

Following Benn’s initial arrest, authorities conducted further investigations at his accommodations, uncovering three additional ‘Ensure’ bottles containing a further 272 grams of suspected marijuana. Subsequently, officers executed a search warrant at Benn’s residence based on intelligence leads, where his wife, Tecina Angel Willis, acknowledged transferring narcotics and mobile phones to a neighbor, Melissa Allen, who then relayed them to Rhon Smith, Benn’s reputed husband. Smith led the police to additional hidden narcotics and cell phones at his location.

In total, law enforcement seized 856 grams of suspected marijuana during this operation. Benn was formally charged with ‘Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking’ and, during his court appearance in Bartica, he pled guilty, receiving a sentence of two years and five months in prison. Meanwhile, the other three individuals involved in the case were also arrested and charged; they pleaded not guilty and were subsequently granted bail set at $80,000 each. The hearing is scheduled to continue on March 12, 2025.

The issue of drug trafficking within correctional institutions presents significant challenges to law enforcement. The recent case in Guyana illustrates the vulnerabilities of personnel involved in prison operations, where contraband may be smuggled in unsuspected ways. Law enforcement agencies continue to strengthen their strategies to detect and prevent drug-related offenses, emphasizing the importance of rigorous inspections and thorough investigations.

This incident highlights the complexities surrounding drug trafficking in correctional facilities and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat such illicit activities. The swift actions taken by the authorities in this case underscore their commitment to maintaining security and order within the prison system. The judicial proceedings that follow will be closely monitored to ensure accountability and justice.

Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com