Security Minister alerts to drone usage in contraband smuggling into T&T prisons

National Security Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Fitzgerald Hinds, on Monday disclosed the rise in the usage of drones to illicitly transport goods into the country’s prisons.

Drone usage in contraband smuggling

The Minister warned that the authorities are now acting on this increasingly complex situation.

“The use of drones as a more recent and a more modern technology has now entered into the theatre and we are mindful of that. We have ample evidence of the use of drones as we tighten up other areas, have scanners searching prison officers, searching persons going and patrolling around the institution,” Hinds informed.

He noted the increasing usage of cameras to counteract contraband smuggling but acknowledged that individuals have now turned to drone technology in an effort to outsmart the system.

Authorities tackle drone issue

Hinds made it clear that the authorities are onto the situation and are taking action. He also warned that drone owners involved in these illicit activities would face legal consequences.

“As you heard the Commissioner of Prisons report, some of them have been shot down, several of them have been confiscated and investigations in those regard are continuing. I can assure you that the government is mindful of the problem and I give you even greater assurance that action is being taken,” he continued.

Only last week, the Police and Prison Services began investigations into videos showing drones apparently delivering contraband to Golden Grove’s main prison in Arouca.

A a senior prison official revealed to a newspaper, “There are approximately seven drones flying into the MSP (Maximum Security Prison) day and night which transport cartons of cigarettes, wrapping paper, weed, cellphones, Wi-Fi boxes and unspecified items which could be detrimental and compromise the security of the prison.”

The official further said that weapons including knives and gun parts are also being smuggled in that way.