Corrections officer jailed for taking drugs inside prison complex

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The cell block at Government Building where the prison officer was kept after his sentencing. Picture: JESSICA SAVIKE

A FORMER corrections officer who pleaded guilty to taking marijuana inside the Suva Correction complex has been sentenced to three months imprisonment by the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon.

Mikaele Watta is convicted of a count each of unlawful entry of prohibited articles and unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

The court heard that Watta unlawfully and wilfully took contraband items into the Suva Correction complex, which included 80 sachets of marijuana.

It was also stated that he had in his possession 45.5 grams of marijuana on October 6, 2018.

Magistrate Deepika Prakash told Watta that as a corrections officer, he was expected to attend to his duties diligently and faithfully.

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