PANJIM: A well-planned swoop on the Central Jail at Colvale led to a huge haul of mobile phones, drugs, tobacco products and cash from the inmates. The Prisons Department is, however, denying that there was a large seizure.
As per sources, the jail officials seized mobile phones, chargers and tobacco from the convicts’ block, while from the under trial block it was mobile phones. Some under trials were also allegedly caught with cash in their possession. An alleged murder under trial was among the inmates in illegal possession of the banned substances.
The quarantine block, which is meant for patients with COVID-19 and new inmates pending COVID-19 test results, also saw the seizure of some mobile phones. Sources further said that 13 mobile phones were seized from the Women’s Jail Cell with one of the inmates in possession of three phones. Some inmates were also caught with small quantities of drugs, which were allegedly either for their consumption or smuggling within or outside the jail.
Herald contacted Inspector General of Prisons Venancio Furtado, who denied the major haul. He, however, conceded that jail officials are randomly carrying out surprise checks, during which a handful of mobile phones and other items are being seized.
“It is a speculation created by some elements that there was major seizure in the jail today (January 26). We will trace the rumour monger. It is an attempt to tarnish the image of the jail and the working staff there. Nonetheless, I have sought for a report from the Jail Superintendent on the issue,” he said.