Alcohol masquerading as water was found in plastic bottles at the Corradino Correctional Facility, prompting a fresh internal inquiry, the Times of Malta has learnt.

The alcohol discovery was made on Good Friday in a hall at the Corradino Correctional Facility used by prisoners, who had together mounted a pageant on the passion of Christ.

According to sources from the prisons, warders first raised an eyebrow following the performance on Maundy Thursday, when one specific prisoner had been seen acting suspiciously.

They said the prisoner was seen arguing with one of the other actors in the pageant. He was subjected to a breathalyser test, which he failed.

On Good Friday, the warders carried out an inspection in the hall where the performance was being held and found four two-litre plastic bottles which contained alcohol instead of water.

Four two-litre plastic bottles contained alcohol instead of water

The prisoner’s cell was searched and a bucket was found, which the authorities believe was used to ferment wine, to which fruit and sugar were added to create a form of sangria.

Sources said that the bottles were taken up to the performance hall from the division where this prisoner is being kept. The bottles were not detected during inspections carried out on either the prisoners or those attending the show as they entered the hall.

The sources said the plastic bottles had been hidden: two in the stairs, one in a bin and another in a cupboard behind brooms and other cleaning equipment.

The water bottles had been purchased from the prison tuck shop.

Sources said that Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia ordered an immediate internal inquiry into the find. The investigation, being carried out by a specially appointed board composed of prison and ministry officials, is still ongoing.

The Home Affairs Ministry confirmed that an internal investigation was under way.

In recent months, prisoners were found in possession of different drugs, including synthetic drugs, as well as several mobile phones.

The last prisoner to be caught with a mobile hidden inside his cell gave himself away after posting a selfie on Facebook.