Melrose Prison: Three Miniature Phones Seized from an Inmate

On Monday, October 27th, a search conducted on an inmate at the Eastern High Security Prison in Melrose led to the discovery of three miniature mobile phones. The inmate was subjected to a control check upon returning from the Rivière-Noire court.

During the scanning process, three black mini mobile phones were detected concealed in the inmate's intimate areas. The items were confiscated and handed over to the police. The search was carried out in the control area, under the watch of surveillance cameras.

An investigation has been launched by the Montagne-Blanche police to determine how the inmate acquired these devices and the circumstances under which he managed to hide them. Meanwhile, the administration of Melrose Prison has initiated an internal inquiry to find out to whom these phones were intended.

Three weeks prior, a major operation at Melrose Prison resulted in the seizure of six state-of-the-art mobile phones, along with chargers and SIM cards. A certain quantity of drugs was also recovered. The investigation has been referred to the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit.

Within the prison walls, mobile phones are highly valued by inmates, leading to a black market for them. “When an inmate has a phone, he can trade it for cash or cigarettes with other inmates,” shared a guard. According to him, due to their small size, mini phones can more easily be smuggled into correctional facilities despite control protocols.

Their prices vary based on the condition and technology of the devices. “5G phones with internet can cost up to Rs 100,000 or more,” our sources report.