Body scanner installed at Maafushi Prison to curb contraband, scam calls

President Mohamed Muizzu said on Thursday that a body scanner has been installed at the main Maafushi Prison as part of measures to prevent the smuggling of prohibited items and the use of prisons for scam calls.

The President made the announcement in his presidential address at the opening sitting of Parliament this year. He said the scanner has been procured for Maafushi Prison and that prison officers will receive training to operate the equipment. He said the scanner is scheduled to become operational in April.

“The scanner will be installed and officers trained, and it will be operational by April this year. This is expected to help stop scam calls from prisons and related activities,” the President said.

Referring to broader prison reforms, President Muizzu said a comprehensive approach is required to maintain public order and that detention practices must meet standards of human dignity and international requirements.

He said that as of 17 November 2023, many prison cells across the country were without electricity. He added that electricity has since been supplied to all prison cells as part of efforts to improve conditions for inmates.

Mobile phones and drugs are among the items most commonly smuggled into prison cells, according to authorities. Law enforcement agencies have seized such items during periodic operations.

Corrections officers have also been arrested and charged in recent cases for assisting in the smuggling of prohibited items into prisons.