22/03/2017

Five Released Over Smuggling Of Prohibited Items Into Maghaberry Prison

Five people arrested after police seized a sum of cash and drugs as part of an investigation into trafficking of prohibited items into Maghaberry Prison have been released on bail.

A 50-year-old prison officer was arrested at the jail on suspicion of conveyancing prohibited articles into a prison, misconduct in public office, possession of criminal property and being concerned in the supply of Class A Drugs following a joint operation with the Prison Service.

Four further arrests were also made and three properties were searched in Newtownabbey, Belfast and Kinallen.

A man aged 28 and a woman aged 26 were arrested in Newtownabbey on suspicion of conveyancing prohibited articles into a prison. The 28 year old male was also arrested for possession of a Class B controlled drug and possession of fireworks. A 55-year-old woman was arrested at an address in Belfast on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of criminal property, and conveyancing prohibited articles into a prison. A 50-year-old woman was arrested in Kinallen on suspicion of possession of a Class A controlled drug and possession of criminal property.

All five have been released pending further investigations.

(CD)

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