2,300 cell phones were seized in correctional centres over the last year.

Some 2,300 cellular phones destined for criminals serving time behind bars were seized by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) over the past 12 months.

This was revealed by the Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Matthew Samuda, during his contribution to 2021/22 State of the Nation Debate in the Senate on Friday.

Samuda described the persistent problem of persons attempting to smuggle the contraband item into the nation’s prisons as both a challenge and a security risk.

The issue of contraband, more specifically the use of cellular phones in the commissioning of crimes and the operation of criminal gangs from behind bars, though not new, represents a continued threat to national security.

He cited that the 2,300 phones, representing more than 190 attempts each month to sneak the items into the prisons, were detected through renewed focus.

The minister listed the following as measures being taken to address the problem:

-Amendment of the legislative framework to criminalise the possession, use, and smuggling of electronic devices.

-Procurement of appropriate technology to monitor entrance ways, search and scan for devices and disrupt electronic communiqué.

-Adjustment of training manuals and retraining of correctional officers.

-Infrastructural changes at points of entry.

Meanwhile, Samuda noted that the prisons remain safe as the DCS had just one person escaping its facilities in the last three years.