Prison Officer arrested in Maghaberry Drug Smuggling investigation

By Robert Skates

A 23-year-old prison officer has been arrested at Maghaberry Prison on suspicion of trying to smuggle drugs into the prison. He was detained yesterday morning. (Frid)

A 55 year old woman remains in police custody on suspicion of attempting to smuggle items including class A and B 
drugs and prescription medication. 

A 26 year old woman arrested yesterday has been released on bail pending further enquiries. 

The arrests followed searches of properties in Lisburn and Dungannon as part of an 
ongoing investigation. 

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Foster, from the PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Branch, said: “During the searches in HMP Maghaberry and in the Lisburn and Dungannon areas today, detectives seized a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs and drugs paraphernalia. This operation is a good example of how collaborative working can disrupt crime and also demonstrates our commitment to Keeping People Safe by removing harmful drugs from society. We will continue to work closely with the Prison Service to clamp down on the trafficking of illicit drugs into prisons.”

Head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Ronnie Armour, said: “I welcome the result of today’s joint operation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Removing dangerous drugs from Maghaberry will help to keep staff and prisoners safe. I would commend everyone involved in this operation.”