A prison officer with more than twelve years of service has been arrested and charged after allegedly being caught trying to smuggle contraband into the Maximum Security Prison.

Officer Perron Gomez is accused of smuggling 20 packs of cigarettes into the prison. He secured bail at $50,000 and is expected to appear before an Arima Magistrate next month to answer the charge.

Meanwhile, Acting Commissioner of Prisons Deopersad Ramoutar has expressed disappointment at how easily rogue officers can access bail after being caught with illegal items.

The Prison Commissioner says this undermines the goal of eliminating trafficking from the nation’s prisons.

Mr. Ramoutar adds, he believes delinquent officers should be remanded into custody as they not only put their fellow officers’ lives at risk but undermine the integrity of the Prison Service.