PRISON officers seized several prohibited items at the Maximum Security Prison (MSP) yesterday including several phones, almost 300 packs of cigarettes and more than 2,000 grams of a plant-like substance resembling ganja.The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service (TTPrS) stated it continues to detect and disrupt the introduction of prohibited articles into correctional facilities.TTPrS reported that at around 3 a.m. on Friday, officers of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), acting on intelligence on the use of drones to deliver contraband into the prison compound, conducted an intelligence-led search exercise at the MSP.The operation targeted the B and M Divisions of the facility and resulted in the recovery of several prohibited items, including:• 14 cellular phones• 2,055 gramme of plant-like material resembling marijuana• 285 packs of cigarettes• one sealed box of Big Bambu wrapping paper• two digital scales• one cellphone charger• four improvised weapons• one cellphone screen replacement• one brown-handled screwdriver• two pairs of headsets• one pair of scissors.“The seized items have been secured and the matter remains under investigation, with the assistance of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). A number of inmates are expected to be charged as investigations continue,” the TTPrS stated.Commissioner of Prisons (Ag.) Elvin Scanterbury commended the officers involved for their dedication, vigilance and commitment.“He reaffirmed the TTPrS’s commitment to maintaining a secure and contraband-free environment, while noting the persistent efforts by individuals to circumvent established security measures through the use of technology and other means,” the statement noted.The TTPrS stated it uses intelligence-led operations, enhanced security measures and targeted searches to detect, prevent and disrupt the trafficking of prohibited articles into its facilities.“The TTPrS also appeals to members of the public to assist in safeguarding the integrity and security of the nation’s correctional system,” the statement added.Anyone with information on the trafficking or introduction of prohibited articles into prisons may contact the TTPrS Hotline at 800-PRSN (7776) or provide information to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.