Two prison officers of His Majesty’s Prison, Hu’atolitoli, were suspended and are under investigation for allegedly accepting bribes, and aiding and abetting trafficking of illicit drugs into prisons.
HM Prisons in a statement yesterday said this action followed a case on 5 August, regarding an illicit drug and utensil found in a vehicle in Hu'atolitoli Prison, that allegedly belonged to or was used by a Recruit Prison Officer. The Recruit Prison Officer was arrested, suspended, and is under a criminal investigation for alleged possession of illicit drugs.
Two other prisons officers who are suspected of illicit drugs offences, are currently being investigated by HM Prisons.
Two prison officers, the prison dubbed “Prison Officer A” and “Recruit Prison Officer B”, were suspended on 6 September.
HM Prisons understood that “Prison Officer A” was overseas and "we intend to report our findings to the relevant immigration office in our effort to provide for the public safety of Tonga's country partners communities."
HM Prisons also handed over their internal investigation last month, regarding “Recruit Prison Officer B”, to Tonga Police for further criminal investigation.
Meanwhile, HM Prisons urged the public to contact them if they have any information about a prison officer involved in the unlawful possession, manufacture, cultivation, use and/or supply of illicit drugs.
See also: https://matangitonga.to/2024/08/09/prison-officer-under-investigation-po...
