Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 21, 2016 (RSCNPF):  An early morning search operation on Tuesday(September 20) at Her Majesty’s Prison on St. Kitts and a simultaneous search at the Prison Farm on Nevis signaled the start of ‘Operation Safe Streets’ by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.

“Operation Safe Streets” is a Police led law enforcement operation with the objectives of removing illegal firearms, ammunition, illegal drugs and instruments that can be used to commit crimes from our communities.

The search at the Prison facilities discovered a number of contraband items including cell phones, sim cards, cash, home-made shanks and other illegal items.

Superintendent of Prisons Mr. Junie Hodge said, “search operations like these are essential in ensuring that our prison is free from contraband.” He added, “this find shows that our prison security officers must always be vigilant and  these breaches will be addressed.”  Superintendent Hodge affirmed that, “we will use this as a  lesson learned and will continue our efforts to ensure no contraband gets into our facilities.”

“Security at the Prison is a cat and mouse game, and we learn from each search operation, I know we are on the right track.. when compared to the items found in the last search, there is  significant reduction, but one piece of contraband is one piece to many” added the Superintendent.

Superintendent Hodge also warned members of the public visiting inmates that the introduction of contraband into the prison is a crime and if caught they will be prosecuted.

‘Operation Safe Streets’ is a combined law enforcement operation led by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force with support from law enforcement partners, the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force, Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department,  Her Majesty’s Prison and the Regional Security System.