Prison Raid

Prison Raid
Some of the contraband confiscated from the Bahamas Department of Corrections early Wednesday morning.

Deep rooted corruption at The Bahamas Department of Corrections (BDOC) is believed to behind the significant amount of illegal contraband found at the correctional facility Wednesday.

A joint task force of officers from the Royal Bahamas Police and Defense Forces (RBDF) headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander carried out operation “SIP”- Suppressing Incarcerated Prisoners. During an emergency press conference following the six hour raid, officials revealed that a large quantity of drugs was dangerous drugs believed to be marijuana, makeshift weapons and mobile devices.

According to Deputy Commissioner at the BDOC, Bernadette Murray corruption is believed to be the reason for the illegal contraband being able to enter the facility.

The operation, aimed at clamping down on illicit activity, came on the heels of a surveillance video which went viral. In the past two years a number of prison officers have also been hauled before the courts charged with illegal activity.

Officials said that officers will now re-strategize the way forward to eliminate illegal activity at the Department of Corrections.

An investigation is underway and officials say they will prosecute.

About Theo Sealy

Theo Sealy is an award-winning journalist who serves as senior broadcast reporter and weekend TV news anchor at Eyewitness News. He has achieved several career milestones, including his work as a field contributor with CNN, his coverage of four consecutive general elections, his production of several docuseries and his Bahamas Press Club Awards win for “Best Television News Story” in 2018.