Two prison officials arrested on suspicion of dealing banned substances

In Latvia, the Internal Security Bureau (IDB) detained two officials of the Prison Administration (IeVP, the institution responsible for the country's prisons) in October. They are suspected of bringing prohibited substances and items into a prison and handing them over there. Both officials have been remanded in custody as a preventive measure. The information comes from the IDB itself.

What the officials are suspected of

The detentions were made on suspicion of malicious abuse of official position, as well as unauthorised bringing in and handing over of substances and items at a place of detention.

During procedural actions carried out by the IDB, prohibited items and substances were found on the detained officials and seized. The bureau's statement does not say which substances they were, in what quantity, or at which prison the officials worked.

Why it matters

According to the IDB, the banned substances were intended to be sold inside the prison. That would have posed a serious threat both to the inmates and to the people employed at the prison. It also endangered general order and security there.

Remand in custody means both officials will stay under arrest while the proceedings continue. The statement names neither the officials nor their positions, and it does not clarify how the case will proceed.