Prison Officer in Guyana Arrested for Marijuana Trafficking

A prison officer in Guyana was arrested for possessing 856 grammes of marijuana concealed in ‘Ensure’ bottles. Further investigations led to additional narcotics discovered in his residence. Benn was sentenced to two years and five months in prison after pleading guilty. Other suspects involved also faced charges and were granted bail.

In Guyana, a prison officer at the Mazaruni Prison has been apprehended for possessing 856 grammes of suspected marijuana, which was found concealed in ‘Ensure’ bottles. The arrest took place during a routine inspection by Officer Jasen Johnson, who discovered the contraband when he checked Officer Walter Benn, returning from signing documents. The police subsequently recovered more narcotics from Benn’s quarters, leading to the involvement of additional suspects.

After further investigation, authorities uncovered three more ‘Ensure’ bottles with an additional 272 grammes of suspected cannabis at Benn’s residence. The investigation revealed that Benn’s wife, Tecina Angel Willis, had transported narcotics to a neighbor, who relayed them to Benn’s associate, Rhon Smith. Smith subsequently led police to a clump of bushes behind his home, where nine more ‘Ensure’ bottles and three cell phones were found.

Cumulatively, law enforcement seized a total of 856 grammes of marijuana. On Thursday, Officer Walter Benn was charged with ‘Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking,’ to which he pleaded guilty, receiving a sentence of two years and five months imprisonment. The other suspects, including Willis and Smith, were also arrested on similar charges and pleaded not guilty. They were granted bail of $80,000 each, with the matter adjourned to March 12, 2025, for further proceedings.

The issue of drug trafficking remains a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide, as it often involves sophisticated networks and may include individuals in roles of authority. In this case, a prison officer was implicated, highlighting concerns regarding integrity within such institutions. The incident raises questions about how illicit substances are smuggled into secure environments and the effectiveness of current monitoring systems.

The arrest of Officer Walter Benn and the subsequent discovery of additional narcotics illustrate the ongoing battle against drug trafficking within correctional facilities. The involvement of other suspects emphasizes that this issue is systemic, requiring comprehensive strategies for prevention and enforcement. Overall, the case serves as a cautionary tale concerning the challenges of maintaining security in institutions responsible for rehabilitation and safety.

Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com