of illicit drugs.

The Prison Officers Association reaffirmed their backing for the erradication of drugs, following a swoop recently on certain areas of Westgate.

Police officers with drugs dogs took part in the search of the public and service areas of the prison -- including the visiting section -- but found nothing.

After the incident, Labour and Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess confirmed there would be more lightning raids on the prisons, to ensure there was no hiding place for drugs or those who peddled them.

This week, Prison Officers Association chairman Lynn Hall said they fully supported the actions, as they had done in the past.

He said: "We have no problem with the searches, as long as they are carried out properly.'' Mr. Burgess said the search, which took place around 11 days ago, was kept a secret and added that future raids would also be carried out with restricted knowledge, to maintain the element of surprise.

DRUGS DGS POLICE POL