Two prison warders were yesterday suspended from work and will face criminal action for drug use after returning positive results to urine tests conducted to establish drug taking among staff.
The tests were introduced this week following new Corradino Correctional Facility procedures put in place by the Home Affairs Ministry.
A ministry spokesman confirmed that the first 16 tests were carried out earlier this week and two prison officials were found positive for cocaine.
“The ministry immediately took the necessary steps to suspend the two people involved and disciplinary action, as envisaged by public service rules, will be initiated,” the spokesman said.
Times of Malta is informed the warders were also arrested and are expected to face court charges.
We feel that in order to face the situation better, staff working directly with inmates need also to be tested
Staff testing was introduced as part of a strategy aimed at tackling the prison’s enduring drug problem.
“Until recently, tests were only performed on inmates. We feel that in order to face the situation better, staff working directly with inmates need also to be tested.
“These first tests have already yielded results and more will be done in the coming weeks,” the ministry spokesman said.
In a statement, the ministry said that while the problem had been ignored for a long time it was unacceptable that a ‘clean’ inmate ended up taking drugs while in prison.
“This defeats the whole purpose of the institution to act as a correct-ive facility.”
The ministry said tests will continue to be carried out periodically to make sure the abuse is stopped.
Yesterday’s was the second direct intervention by the Home Affairs Ministry in the running of the prison in a few months.
A few days after Labour came into power, a surprise visit by Minister Manuel Mallia revealed that a number of warders, including two senior correctional officers, were absent when they were supposed to be on duty.
A board of discipline recently found eight of them guilty and pending appeal they will be disciplined according to set guidelines.
The maximum punishment will likely be a warning and a five-day pay cut.
Dr Mallia’s surprise visit had led to the resignation of Abraham Zammit from prison director.