Two women arrested in anti-smuggling operation at Isle of Sheppey prisons
The operation was carried
out at prisons including HMP Swaleside
Two women have been arrested during an operation to clamp down
on drugs being smuggled into prisons on the Isle of Sheppey.
Police and prison officers searched visitors and vehicles
heading into the three jails where around 3,000 inmates are
held.
A 32-year-old woman, from Deal, was arrested on suspicion of
possessing what is thought to be ecstacy.
And a 42-year-old woman, from Aylesford, was held by
officers on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to
supply.
Both women have been released on police bail until May pending
further investigation.
The operation at the Sheppey
Cluster – HMPs Elmley, Standford Hill and Swaleside – was carried
out by officers from the Island neighbourhood team, a tactical
operations team and Prison Service staff.
Insp Noel Stanley, (pictured right) from Kent Police,
said: "We take any suggestion of supply of contraband into prison
extremely seriously and this operation shows how hard we, along
with HM Prison Service, work to combat this.
"Anybody attempting to bring illegal goods in can expect to be
punished."
Officers also targeted motoring offences, seizing vehicles
issuing fines.
Peter Darragh, 32, of Mill Hill, Deal, was arrested and charged
with causing criminal damage, driving without third party insurance
and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He is due
to appear in court on May 8.
Four vehicles were seized by officers – two for having no
insurance, one as its driver was disqualified and one as its driver
did not have a driving licence.
Officers issued three fines for people not wearing seatbelts, a
fine for having illegally tinted windows and an official
warning for possessing cannabis.
20/03/13
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