Mon Nov 25 23:37:39 UTC 2024: ## Visakhapatnam Central Prison: Contraband Marijuana Seized, Raising Concerns Over Security
**Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh:** The discovery of marijuana at the Visakhapatnam Central Prison has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the facility’s security. The incident adds fuel to existing criticisms alleging lax oversight and preferential treatment of inmates.
A pharmacist, Kadiyam Srinivasa Rao, working on deputation at the prison, was apprehended while attempting to smuggle 95 grams of marijuana inside the prison, concealed within his lunchbox. He allegedly received the drug from a remand prisoner, Gurrala Sai, who promised him money in exchange for delivering the contraband.
This is not an isolated incident. In August 2023, a former convict, Ellagee, threw a package containing marijuana, cigarettes, and tablets over the prison wall during a visit. The prison’s high inmate population, with a significant number convicted on drug charges (estimated at 1200 out of 1800 inmates according to a recent Home Minister inspection), further exacerbates concerns.
Reports also suggest that escort police officers have been bribed to facilitate the smuggling of contraband into the prison. A recent incident involving a rowdy sheeter who caused a commotion after allegedly being cheated by those supplying him drugs within the jail walls further strengthens these allegations. One escort police team was suspended after providing preferential treatment to a prisoner during court transit.
The incidents highlight systemic failures in prison security and raise questions about the effectiveness of measures to prevent the flow of illicit substances to inmates. The authorities are investigating the matter.
First Piper 