The Tribune

A TRAINEE correctional officer was arrested after police allegedly found suspected marijuana concealed in his work boots and vehicle while he was undergoing a routine security scan at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services on Wednesday.

According to police, Drug Enforcement Unit officers acted on information and went to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services shortly after 2.30pm.

The trainee officer was undergoing a routine scan at the Security Processing Centre before reporting for duty when officials reportedly noticed abnormalities and detected a strong odour of suspected marijuana coming from his person.

A secondary search was conducted, resulting in the discovery of two grey-taped packages inside his work boots. Police said both packages contained suspected hydroponic marijuana.

A subsequent search of the officer’s vehicle uncovered a red cloth bag containing another grey-taped package, which police said was identical to those found in his boots.

The officer was arrested and cautioned in connection with the discovery.

Police said the combined weight of the suspected hydroponic marijuana was 1.25 pounds, with an estimated street value of $2,500.

In a separate incident, Drug Enforcement Unit officers, assisted by the Canine Support Unit, seized approximately two pounds of suspected hydroponic marijuana at a residence on Keyless Close, off Mackey Street.

Police said officers, acting on information and armed with a search warrant, went to the residence shortly before 2pm.

A police canine was deployed and alerted officers to a particular door. Officers subsequently gained entry to the premises and discovered two large clear jars containing suspected marijuana.

The drugs were confiscated and preserved for further investigation.

A 53-year-old man is being sought in connection with that matter. Police estimated the street value of the suspected marijuana at $4,000.