Inmates risk their lives to sneak drugs into jail

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 17

With inmates using dangerous means to sneak drugs into jails, making drug seizures has become a challenge for the jail authorities here.

The Central Jail authorities seized 175 habit-forming tablets from an inmate today. According to Jail Superintendent SP Khanna, the accused put tablets in a balloon and then inserted these into his body cavity.

The accused has been identified as Harkinder Singh of Nawanshahr. He is facing a trial in a drug-peddling case. He was taken to a Nawanshahr court for hearing on December 15.

The incident came to light today when a jail guard caught him with habit-forming drugs. Jail officials were informed and an extensive check was conducted. Later, Harkinder Singh told them how he brought drugs into the jail.

He told the police that he received drugs, kept in a balloon, from his relatives who offered him food while he was coming out of the court complex after attending the hearing. Getting an opportunity, he hid the drugs in his body cavity. The drugs could not be found during the routine security check at the jail entrance.

He consumed drugs yesterday, but was caught today. Jail officials have handed over the drugs to the police.

Jail Superintendent SP Khanna said, “Inmates do not hesitate to put their lives at risk when it comes to sneaking drugs inside jail. Around 10 days ago, an inmate (Ranjit) hid a pack of beedis in his body cavity. After he developed complications, he was rushed to the hospital. Doctors performed a surgery on him to take out beedis, but they could not save his life.”