Trinidad and Tobago prison system faces multi-million-dollar contraband economy

A multi-million-dollar underground economy driven by contraband is thriving within the Trinidad and Tobago prison system, according to Prison Officers’ Association General Secretary Lester Logie.

The disclosure follows the arrest of an off-duty female officer who was allegedly attempting to smuggle cigarettes, marijuana, electronics, and other items into a women’s prison. Acting Prisons Commissioner Elvin Scanterbury has pledged to confront rogue officers directly in response to the incident.

Logie identified several contributing factors to the illicit trade, including severe overcrowding and the fact that inmates are often confined to cells for up to 23 hours a day. He noted that many remand inmates struggle with pre-existing addictions to substances like nicotine, marijuana, and cocaine, creating a constant demand.

Furthermore, Logie stated that corrupt officers facilitate the trade, sometimes due to personal safety concerns or financial pressures such as gambling debts and bribes involving vehicles or mobile phone credit.