Guyana: Arrest of Prison Officer Uncovers Major Drug Trafficking Operation

In Guyana, a prison officer was arrested for possessing 856 grams of suspected marijuana hidden in ‘Ensure’ bottles. Further investigations revealed more narcotics in his residence and involved multiple suspects. Benn pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 2 years and 5 months in prison, while the others were granted bail and await further court appearances.

In Guyana, a prison officer named Walter Benn was apprehended after authorities discovered 856 grams of suspected marijuana concealed within ‘Ensure’ bottles. The incident took place during a routine search when Officer Jasen Johnson examined Benn as he returned from official duties. Upon inspection, the contents of a black plastic bag revealed the illicit substance, prompting immediate police intervention.

Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of more narcotics hidden in Benn’s living quarters, where three additional ‘Ensure’ bottles containing 272 grams of suspected cannabis were located. Further search activities uncovered more evidence linking Benn to a broader trafficking operation, implicating his wife, Tecina Angel Willis, who admitted to transporting narcotics to his neighbor, Melissa Allen. Allen was said to have facilitated the transfer to Benn’s partner, Rhon Smith, who ultimately revealed the location of more narcotics hidden in bushes behind his residence.

In total, law enforcement seized 856 grams of marijuana from this operation. Walter Benn faced formal charges of possession of narcotics with intent to traffic and pleaded guilty at a court hearing. He received a sentence of two years and five months in prison, while the three other suspects denied the charges and were granted bail, with the case adjourned until March 12, 2025, for further proceedings.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by correctional facilities in combating drug trafficking within their institutions. Concealment methods, such as using everyday items, illustrate the lengths to which individuals may go to smuggle narcotics. This case also highlights the involvement of multiple individuals, suggesting a larger network is at play in the trafficking operations.

Walter Benn’s arrest serves as a critical reminder of the persistent issue of drug trafficking in prison environments. The discovery of a significant quantity of marijuana concealed in common products reveals both innovative smuggling techniques and the complexity of addressing drug-related crimes within correctional systems. The legal proceedings against all involved individuals will continue, shedding light on the broader implications of such illicit activities.

Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com