Nicosia, Cyprus. Dozens of mobile phones, narcotics and other prohibited items have been confiscated at the central prisons over the past four months, the justice ministry said on Monday. The seizures were made during intensified inspections inside the facility and at visitor entry points.
Intensified inspections since January
The ministry said the checks have been ongoing since January 1 and have been significantly stepped up to prevent the smuggling of illegal items and to safeguard the security and proper functioning of the prison.
Law amendment criminalises banned items
The ministry said an amendment to the prisons law passed in February makes the introduction, possession, use or attempted smuggling of mobile phones and other banned items a criminal offence.
Offences apply to inmates, visitors and others
According to the ministry, the criminalisation applies to inmates, visitors and other individuals, with particularly strict penalties for staff members found to be involved.
Warning of prosecution and prison sentences
The ministry and prison authorities said attempts to bring prohibited items into the facility will be dealt with firmly and will lead to criminal prosecution and prison sentences.
How do you think the intensified inspections will affect security at the central prisons?
