Prison Officer arrested after 502.2 grams of ganja found at Mazaruni Prison

See full statement from the Guyana Police Force:

Police are investigating the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis which was found on Friday February 20, 2026 about 06:45hrs at the Mazaruni Prison, resulting in the arrest of a 26-year-old Prison Officer of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara.

Investigations revealed that during a morning briefing conducted in the prison compound, a search was carried out on the Prison Officer after his bulletproof vest appeared bulky. The search, conducted in his presence, led to the discovery of one transparent bulky parcel containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis concealed in the vest.

The matter was reported to the police and ranks subsequently visited the prison, where the suspected narcotic was handed over. The substance was weighed in the presence of the suspect and amounted to 474.6 grams.

Further enquiries led to a search being conducted at the suspect’s living quarters within the prison compound, where an additional black bulky parcel containing a transparent package with leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis was found on his bed. That quantity was weighed in his presence and amounted to 27.6 grams.

The suspect and the suspected cannabis, which amounted to 502.2 grams were escorted to the Bartica Police Station where the cannabis was lodged.

The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.