21/12/2010

Prison Officer 'Embarrassment' Over Drugs

The union representing prison officers in the Irish Republic has spoken of "embarrassment" over the arrest of a member in connection with drug smuggling.

The prison officer was arrested yesterday morning at 7.30am on suspicion of smuggling drugs into Mountjoy Prison in Dublin.

Responding to the arrest this morning, the Prison Officers Association said it would not support members of the union that involved themselves in drug trafficking.

"The actions of the few can bring disgrace and embarrassment to all of the hardworking prison officers around the country, who would have no tolerance of or take part in any form of illegal activity."

The man was found to be in possession of drugs on his way to work at about 7.30am. He had quantities of heroin, cocaine, cannabis and prescription drugs strapped to his leg.

Gardaí were called and the officer was arrested. It is the second seizure in the prison in the last two days - drugs that had been thrown into the women's prison were seized over the weekend.

The man is being detained at Mountjoy Garda station following the incident. A Garda spokeswoman said the quantities of what had been seized were still subject to analysis.

(DW)

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