A Recruit Prison Officer has been arrested at Hu’atolitoli Prison after illicit drugs and related utensils were discovered in the suspect’s vehicle according to a statement released today by the HM Prisons.
The discovery was made following a tip-off to a senior prison officer, who reported the matter to the Officer in Charge of Hu’atolitoli Prison. The Officer in Charge promptly called the suspect back to the station and conducted a search of the vehicle, uncovering a packet containing an illicit drug alongside the paraphernalia. The Recruit Prison Officer was immediately arrested and detained by HM Prisons, and the case was handed over to Tonga Police for further investigation.
In response to the incident, the Officer in Charge issued new directives that all off-duty prison officers must now seek permission from the Officer in Charge to park their vehicles within Hu’atolitoli Prison. Vehicles parked without authorisation may be subject to searches.
The prison authorities are also investigating other officers suspected of involvement in illicit drug activities.
