Improvised weapons, drugs, other items found at New Amsterdam prison

A raid was carried out at the New Amsterdam Prison over the weekend, during which several improvised weapons, a quantity of drugs and other items were discovered.

According to a source at the prison, three improvised weapons and 39 small plastic bags containing leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be marijuana were discovered; when weighed it amounted to some 30 grammes.

He also said that 19 razor blades, 20 nails, one pair of scissors, nine smoking utensils, five metal spoons, two cell phone batteries, two sim cards, two earphones, three adapters, four cigarettes, two pieces of mirrors and a quantity of wire were also discovered.

Meanwhile, the inmate who was hospitalized as a result of a recent ambush in the prison has since been released from the hospital and returned to prison, the source confirmed.

Neshan Jagmohan, 27, a cane harvester of Hampshire Squatting Area and his older brother Ramnarine Jagmohan, 31, a farmer, of Belvedere Squatting Area, who were both remanded on a murder charge, attended court last Wednesday and had just returned to their living units around 2.30 pm, when three men attacked them with improvised weapons.

The attack left Neshan Jagmohan dead and his older brother nursing injuries about his body in the hospital. Neshan reportedly sustained multiple stab wounds to his chest, neck and other parts of his body. While Ramnarine received a stab to the upper part of his body and injuries to his head.

Investigations have revealed that on Tuesday last, it was whispered among the inmates that efforts were being made to purchase an improvised weapon. Reports are that a prisoner wanted to buy the weapon from one of the Jagmohans to murder one of the alleged attackers.

An issue then arose between the intended murder victim and the Jagmohans, but it was reportedly settled by another prisoner and was never reported to prison wardens. It is suspected that the intended murder victim sought the help of two other inmates in carrying out the attack.

Meanwhile, the three inmates who have since been identified as the alleged attackers were placed in solitary confinement. The source told Stabroek News that they are likely to face additional charges; the case file has been completed and will be sent for legal advice.

A post-mortem examination done on Neshan Jagmohan yesterday revealed that he died from puncture wounds to the heart, lungs and kidney.