A 47-year-old prison warden has been arrested after police allegedly discovered drugs worth about R65,000 and several prohibited items inside his vehicle at Goodwood Prison in Cape Town.
The arrest took place on Wednesday, 12 August, during a targeted roadblock involving members of the Western Cape police’s Anti-Gang Unit and the Department of Correctional Services Emergency Support Team.
The operation began at around 6:40am as staff members and vehicles entering the correctional facility were being checked.
Drugs allegedly found inside warden’s vehicle
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said officers stopped the prison warden and searched his vehicle.
Police allegedly found 600 Mandrax tablets, 100 grams of tik and 300 grams of dagga. The drugs were estimated to have a combined value of approximately R65,000.
But the search allegedly uncovered more than just drugs.
Officers also reportedly found 23 cellphones, three pairs of earbuds and five USB memory sticks inside the vehicle.
Police further recovered 10 condoms and 60 libido tablets.
The discovery comes as authorities continue efforts to prevent prohibited goods from entering South Africa’s correctional facilities.
Warden arrested at Goodwood Prison
Following the search, the 47-year-old warden was arrested and taken to Goodwood police station, where he was detained.
He is expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrates’ Court once he has been formally charged.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about contraband potentially entering prisons through people who have authorised access to correctional facilities.
The exact circumstances surrounding the items found in the vehicle and their intended destination will form part of the investigation.
The allegations against the warden have not yet been tested in court. He remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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