Why the silence over huge currency find at Maghaberry Prison, asks Allister
03 October 2011
TUV Leader Jim Allister has questioned why the seizure of a substantial five figure sum in currency at Maghaberry Prison in mid September has not been the subject of police comment.
In a statement Mr Allister said, “Why a visitor to Maghaberry Prison would be carrying tens of thousands of pounds is surely a matter of public interest. Yet, to date, the Prison Service and the PSNI have had no comment to make, nor, it seems, has anyone been charged with any offence.
“In response to an Assembly Question the Justice Minister has confirmed that a currency seizure was made by the PSNI, but otherwise there has been a media blackout. I have been in contact with the Chief Constable’s office, but, as yet, without response. I have had it confirmed from another source that the seizure involved ‘a substantial five figure sum’.
“I believe it is in the public interest that the police and the Justice Minister should make a statement on this matter.”
Assembly Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice (i) on how many occasions have there been currency seizures from visitors to prison establishments from 1 January 2009 to date; (ii) how much has been seized; and (iii) to detail the dates, amounts and locations of the seizures.
Answer: The Prison Service has not seized any currency from visitors to prisoners
from January 2009 to date.
There has been one recent case when a seizure was made by PSNI. The circumstances of that case are a matter for the Chief Constable, who is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. I am committed to respecting the operational independence of the Chief Constable and the role of the Policing Board.
You may therefore wish to direct your question to the PSNI.
