Why Are Cell Phones Always Found During Raids In Prison Cells?

Samarinda detention center officers inspecting prison cells during an impromptu raid (ANTARA/Arumanto)

SAMARINDA - Officers from the Class IIA Detention Center in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, found a number of mobile phones, sharp objects and other prohibited items during an impromptu raid on the residential block of the inmates.

"We found five Android mobile phones, four chargers, two scissors, two iron forks, an electrical terminal, and two cables 2 meters long," said Head of Security for the Samarinda Detention Center Gilang Wisnu Wardhana as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, August 25.

Gilang explained that the impromptu raid was carried out on orders from the head of the Samarinda Detention Center involving a number of staff and dozens of duty officers.

"We held an inspection on Thursday morning at around 09.00 to 10.00 WITA. We examined 49 cell rooms, two of which were female cells," explained Gilang.

According to Gilang, during the raid this time there was tension between the officers and the inmates who refused to be examined in their cells.

However, the officers continued to force their way in and conduct searches until they found a number of prohibited and dangerous objects that should not have been brought into the detention cell.

The head of the Class II A detention center in Samarinda, Alanta Imanuel Ketaren, said that apart from routine raids, his party also often conducts impromptu raids to ensure that there are no illegal items in the cells of the inmates.

A number of inmates, continued Alanta, also provided information to officers if there were colleagues carrying prohibited items in their cells.

"On the report from the inmates, we immediately dispatched a team to carry out raids. In the last three months, we have secured dozens of prohibited items from the inmates' cells," he said.

Alanta emphasized that inmates who are proven to have violated the rules will certainly find it difficult to apply for remission.