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Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 06, 2015 (SKNIS): Sunday morning’s (August 02) institutional search at Her Majesty’s Prison in Basseterre led to the discovery of several contraband items at the national correctional institute.

The surprise search carried out by a joint task force of Prison, Police, Defence Force and Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise personnel was conducted in the cells and all public spaces accessed by the inmates. The morning-long thorough search netted a cache of 19 cellular phones, cellular phone batteries, and several illegal items such as screwdrivers.

Acting Superintendent of Prisons, Ashiela Connor said that the prison regularly conducts ongoing searches of prisoners and the facilities.  He said, searches are conducted every time a prisoner leaves and re-enters the facility from outside work or other business.  However, detailed searches like these are done periodically.

The acting superintendent cautioned that “persons caught introducing contraband into the prison can face prosecution,” and prisoners found with contraband can face disciplinary actions.