STF cracks down on contraband entering prisons

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Police STF has uncovered a racket of smuggling various items into prison using children who enter the prison premises to visit inmates. The Ministry of Prison said STF personnel had recovered Rs.5000 concealed within the clothing of a child who had come to visit an inmate incarcerated at the Angunukolapelessa Prison. In addition, the Police STF had discovered five mobile sim cards after screening third parties that entered the prison to visit inmates. Further, a source from the Ministry of Prisons said that it will not reverse the decision taken to deploy the Police Special Task Force to the Welikada, Colombo Magazine and Colombo Remand prisons. The source also added that the STF will be provided with the required facilities prior to their deployment. The Ministry of Prison has decided to further strengthen its 100 strong intelligence unit to 200 personnel with the intention of cracking down on illegal activities taking place within prison walls.