Malé, Maldives — Commissioner of Prisons (CP) Ahmed Mohamed informs that 10 jail officers were dismissed by the Correctional Service last year for reasons such as bringing in things that were not allowed in the jail.
CP Ahmed told local media outlet “Mihaaru” that a lot of issues are faced as contraband items, not allowed in jail, are brought in through different methods.
One of which is the jails are nearby the areas where people live, coming as a barrier in placing securities in different places of the jail as required. Along with this, CP Ahmed stated that the walls surrounding Maafushi Jail are still not completed. Although the jail initially had fences, contraband items were thrown over the fences for prisoners to use. CP Ahmed mentioned that even if it happened on rare occasions, they are aware that jail officers have also participated in such acts.
To avoid such situations from repeating, CP Ahmed informed that they strengthened the system and if an officer is accused internally of such an act as well, the issue is investigated and actions are also taken against them if required.
CP Ahmed stated that the officers are dismissed from their position after considering the proof and statements against them.
By the end of 2020, we dismissed and took actions against about 10 officers.
CP Ahmed Mohamed
According to CP Ahmed, the officers were not dismissed for just bringing in contraband items to the jail, some officers were dismissed after they were caught red-handed while smuggling in drugs to the jail.
Prison Officers in jail have always been accused of helping the prisoners bring in items such as mobile phones and drugs into the jail as Police always find several phones whenever they conduct operations in jail.
In fact, Police found a total of 43 phones during the operation they conducted at Maafushi jail last weekend.
