Specialised dogs beef up prison’s security measures |23 September 2013

Security measures at the Montagne Posée prison have received a big boost with the donation of two dogs specialised in detecting drugs and mobile phones.

The dogs, as well as a gym and medical equipment – donated by the British government in collaboration with the UNODC (United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime) – were officially handed over on Friday at the Montagne Posée prison.

Speaking at the ceremony, Home Affairs and Transport minister Joel Morgan said the dogs will assist in curbing situations whereby drugs and other contraband such as mobile phones are smuggled into the prison.

Also present at the ceremony was British high commissioner Lindsay Skoll, UNODC coordinator Alan Cole, Superintendent of Prison Maxim Tirant and staff of the prison.

The two canines, Snoopy and Gyzmo, are specialised trained dogs to be used in the detection of drugs and mobile phones as well as SIM cards.  The two dogs are to serve alongside Sergeant Uzice and Sergeant Julienne.  Both officers are back from following successful training in the UK in how to handle their respective dogs.

The minister also reminded all those who are involved in smuggling illegal drugs or other items such as phones into the prison will be prosecuted.
 
“Only three weeks ago, a person was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for smuggling drugs inside the prison,” he noted.

BHC Skoll on her part thanked the UNODC for its collaboration and the Prison Department under the supervision of Superintendent Tirant.

During the ceremony Minister Morgan also had the pleasure of opening the Montagne Posée Prison’s Health and Prisoner Care Centre as well as the new Phoenix gym in the presence of UNODC representatives.

The projects form part of the recently completed phase 1 refurbishment of the male prison block.
“The Seychelles government is grateful to the UNODC for the kind donation,” said the minister.

The gym facility will be made available to prisoners who through regular drug testing can be verified if they are drug free.  They must also be compliant and actively working towards their rehabilitation. Prisoners who fail to meet these requirements will see their privilege to the gym facility removed until they show that they are able to take part in the rehabilitation process.
 
The Health and Care Centre consists of a dental room, consultation room, a room for physiotherapy and an infirmary which will be at the service of the prisoners.
The minister pointed out that all the projects are aimed towards rehabilitation of the prisoners hence preparing them for life outside the prison.
 
Construction work being carried out on rooms for music, computer, library and auditorium are being done by the inmates themselves.
 
The minister and his team toured the facility to see additional features produced by the inmates such as a mural painting they have worked on.  
Minister Morgan thanked UNODC for their support as well as the British high commission and the government of Seychelles investing in the project.