News

Prison officer arrested in drugs bust

A prison officer has been arrested in connection with a drug smuggling operation in Maghaberry prison.
A prison officer has been arrested in connection with a drug smuggling operation in Maghaberry prison. A prison officer has been arrested in connection with a drug smuggling operation in Maghaberry prison.

A 23 year-old Maghaberry prison officer has been arrested by detectives from PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Branch in relation to the supply of drugs.

The man was arrested at Maghaberry Prison yesterday morning on suspicion of conveyancing prohibited articles into the prison, misconduct in public office, possession of criminal property and being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs, as well as prescription medication.

He has been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning.

Two women, aged 55 and 26 were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to convey prohibited articles into a prison, possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of Class A and B drugs following searches of properties in Lisburn and Dungannon as part of the 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, detectives seized a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs and drugs paraphernalia.

"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 he welcomed the police operation.

"Removing dangerous drugs from Maghaberry will help to keep staff and prisoners safe. I would commend everyone involved in this operation", he added.