May 16, 2016 - 8:38 AM
GEORGETOWN, Guyana - The South American nation of Guyana is trying to impose more order on its overcrowded prison system following an uptick of people hurling contraband to inmates in recent days.
Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said Monday that wardens are conducting frequent lockdowns and more searches after suspected weapons, drugs and phones were pitched over prison walls.
He says authorities will show inmates "who is the real boss."
Ramjattan says no guns have been found in recent searches. But wardens have found screwdrivers and other improvised weapons.
The latest security crackdown comes about two months after a riot killed 17 inmates and injured several guards at the country's biggest prison. Inmates had set mattresses on fire to protest prison conditions and trial delays.
News from © The Associated Press, 2016