Prison Officer Arrested for Smuggling Marijuana in Guyana

A prison officer in Guyana was arrested for trying to smuggle marijuana in ‘Ensure’ bottles. An initial search of Officer Walter Benn resulted in the discovery of 856 grams of suspected cannabis, with further investigation uncovering more drugs hidden at his residence. Benn received a prison sentence; three accomplices were granted bail awaiting trial.

A prison officer at the Mazaruni Prison in Guyana, Jasen Johnson, was arrested for carrying 856 grams of suspected marijuana hidden in ‘Ensure’ bottles. The incident occurred during a routine search when Officer Walter Benn returned after signing a document, revealing the concealed cannabis.

Following the initial arrest, further investigation uncovered additional narcotics in Benn’s living quarters, including three more ‘Ensure’ bottles containing 272 grams of suspected cannabis. This prompted a search operation that resulted in the discovery of nine more ‘Ensure’ bottles containing narcotics.

Benn’s wife, Tecina Angel Willis, a firewoman, confessed to transferring narcotics and cell phones to a neighbor involved in the trafficking. Authorities apprehended three other suspects, including Melissa Allen and Rhon Smith, who revealed additional locations where narcotics had been concealed.

Walter Benn was formally charged with possession of narcotics for trafficking and pleaded guilty, receiving a sentence of two years and five months in prison. His three accomplices, who pleaded not guilty, were granted bail at $80,000 each, with proceedings set to resume in March 2025.

Drug trafficking remains a significant issue in Guyana, with law enforcement continually battling to curtail the illicit trade of narcotics. Instances involving officials, such as the recent arrest of a prison officer, highlight the challenges of maintaining integrity within correctional facilities. This case sheds light on the methods used to smuggle drugs into secure environments, emphasizing the need for vigilant inspection protocols and the importance of accountability among law enforcement personnel.

In summary, the arrest of Officer Walter Benn, along with further investigations leading to the seizure of a total of 1,128 grams of suspected marijuana, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking in Guyana. The implications of this case reveal both the vulnerabilities within the prison system and the necessity for rigorous oversight to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com