Prison officer arrested on suspicion of trafficking banned items behind bars

By Maria McCann

A prison officer has been arrested along with four others on suspicion of trafficking banned items into Maghaberry Prison.

The 50 year old warder was detained by Detectives from the Organised Crime Branch on Tuesday morning.

£10,000 and drugs have been seized as part of the investigation.

Searches were carried out in Newtownabbey, Belfast and Kinallen.

The 50 year old suspect has been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning along with four others.

A man aged 28 and a woman aged 26 were arrested in Newtownabbey on suspicion of conveyancing prohibited articles into a prison. The 28 year old male was also arrested for possession of a Class B controlled drug and possession of fireworks.

A 55 year old woman was arrested at an address in Belfast on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a class B controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of criminal property, and conveyancing prohibited articles into a prison.

A 50 year old woman was arrested in Kinallen on suspicion of possession of a Class A controlled drug and possession of criminal property. They have all been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning.

PSNI’s Head of Reactive and Organised Crime Chief Superintendent Tim Mairs said: “Detectives today seized £10,000 cash, a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B contolled drugs and a number of mobile phones. 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.

Head of the Prison Service, Ronnie Armour, said: “I welcome the result of today’s joint operation with the PSNI and would take this opportunity to reiterate the zero tolerance drugs policy which operates within Northern Ireland’s prisons.”