Two soldiers held allegedly smuggling weed into Maximum Security Prison

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Mark Bassant

Two soldiers from the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force were arrested on Tuesday morning after they allegedly attempted to smuggle in a large quantity of marijuana and several other contraband items into the Maximum Security Prison (MSP) in Arouca.

Investigators told Guardian Media that the close to 11 am a warrant officer, class 2, attached to the Special Forces and another warrant officer class 2, attached to Tetron Barracks went to visit three soldiers presently incarcerated and allegedly collected three bags of food items from their relatives.

When a team of prison officers searched bags they uncovered 1534 kilograms of compressed marijuana, 290 packs of cigarettes, 10 lighters, three electric pocket scales, one cell phone charger, four packs of razor blades, one cellphone holder, wrapping paper, and other foodstuff items.

A party of officers led by Acp Belfon, Senior Superintendent Ramdeen, Supt Powder, Edwards, ASP Coggins, and several officers of the Arouca CID visited the MSP.

The soldiers were later taken into custody and questioned. They are facing charges of smuggling contraband into the prison.