Major Prison Security Exercise: Over 1300 mobile phones and other seized exhibits destroyed

The Mauritius Prison Service (MPS) carried out a large-scale destruction exercise of prohibited exhibits seized within prisons during security operations, this morning at the Parade Ground of the Prison Training School in Beau Bassin.

The exhibits destroyed comprised 1,362 mobile phones, two drones, 284 SIM cards, three memory cards, 10.64 kilograms of cigarettes, makeshift weapons, food items and other prohibited articles recovered from correctional institutions.

According to records maintained by the Prison Intelligence Office, the mobile phones destroyed were seized between 2019 and 30 June 2026. The highest number of mobile phones recovered was recorded in 2025, with 291 devices, while 223 mobile phones had already been seized during the first six months of 2026. All recovered exhibits are systematically labelled, recorded and secured in locked safes until disposal is authorised.

The destruction exercise was conducted under the supervision of the Commissioner of Prisons (COP), Mr Rashid Ali Issa Beekun.

In a statement after the exercise, Mr Beekun pointed out that the last similar destruction exercise was carried out in 2019, with the exhibits destroyed today representing seizures accumulated over the past seven years. Mobile phones remain among the most concerning prohibited items as they enable detainees to maintain unauthorised communication with the outside world, facilitating criminal activities, coordination and the inflow of additional contraband into correctional facilities, he said.

He recalled that one of the principal methods used to introduce prohibited articles into prisons is by “pelting”, whereby accomplices outside prison walls throw packages into prison compounds after coordinating precise timing and locations with detainees. Prohibited items are also smuggled during visits, concealed within authorised belongings, as well as during detainee transfers to and from hospitals or courts.

Mr Beekun acknowledged that investigations have also revealed cases where a small number of Prison Officers were allegedly involved in facilitating the introduction of contraband in exchange for financial gain. Such cases are being dealt with under the law.

To counter these threats, the MPS has beefed up its comprehensive security strategy centred on intelligence gathering; regular surprise searches of cells and prison compounds; systematic screening of detainees, visitors and vehicles; and enhanced surveillance operations, he added.

“No individual, irrespective of rank, is exempt from security searches, including myself whenever I enter a prison facility. Prison transport vehicles are also regularly inspected, with recent searches leading to the seizure of prohibited items, including cigarettes suspected to be destined for illegal introduction into prison”, said the COP.

According to Mr Beekun, intelligence gathered from various sources remains a key element in identifying smuggling attempts and locating prohibited articles inside prisons. He emphasised that the results achieved so far are the outcome of a collective effort by prison officers.

Many seemingly harmless authorised items can be modified into dangerous makeshift weapons, including toothbrushes or metal pieces sharpened for offensive use, he further added.

With reference to the two drones seized, the Commissioner stated that drone technology is being considered as an additional surveillance tool to monitor suspicious activities around prison compounds and strengthen detection of smuggling attempts.

Underlining the vision of the MPS, Mr Beekun affirmed that the organisation’s objective is to eliminate the introduction of prohibited articles into prisons through stronger intelligence-led operations, enhanced security procedures and zero tolerance towards corruption. He rejoiced that sustained efforts have already significantly reduced incidents of pelting, and that the Service remains committed to maintaining this progressive trend.

He further indicated that officers found involved in illegal activities are removed from operational duties while investigations are ongoing and remain subject to disciplinary and judicial proceedings.

On the disposal process, Mr Beekun underlined that destruction of electronic devices and other exhibits is carried out in accordance with environmental regulations. The MPS works with specialised companies to ensure safe disposal of hazardous components such as batteries, in compliance with prescribed procedures and environmental safeguards.

03 July 2026

Email: gis@govmu.org

Website: https://gis.govmu.org

Mobile App: GIS News

Topics: Justice, Others