Two prison officers and an inmate are due before the High Court today for multiple offences arising out of an attempt to smuggle contraband into the Maximum Security Prison.
On August 24th 2026, a female Prison Officer was caught trying to enter the premises with cannabis, cigarettes and other contraband items.
Following a three-week long investigation, a male prison officer was also held, while a male inmate currently on remand for murder was identified as a third suspect.
All three are to be jointly charged with Conspiracy to Introduce Prohibited Articles into the Golden Grove Prison, Arouca.
Meanwhile, the female prison officer is to be charged with:
- Trafficking in a dangerous drug namely Cannabis
- Introducing Prohibited Articles into the Golden Grove Prison
- Bringing into the Golden Grove Prison, Prohibited Articles intended for a named inmate
The male prison officer faces charges of:
- Misbehaviour in Public Office by conspiring with two named suspects to Introduce Prohibited Articles into the Golden Grove Prison
- Misbehaviour in Public Office by allowing to be brought into the Golden Grove Prison, Prohibited Articles
- Allowing Prohibited Articles to be brought into the Golden Grove Prison.
Finally, the male inmate is to face charges of:
- Being in Possession of Prohibited Articles
- Causing another person to bring Prohibited Articles into the Golden Grove Prison
- Transmitting sounds from inside a Prison to a named suspect
- Transmitting sounds from inside a Prison to a named suspect
- Refusing to have fingerprints taken.
