In the next few days, the government will send to Parliament a proposal to utilize 600 soldiers for coverage at the 28 Uruguayan prisons.  They will be responsible for controlling access to the prisons, including prison staff.  The measure was triggered by the apprehension of 70 prisoners with drugs or weapons thus far in 2010.

A Ministry of the Interior spokesperson told the newspaper El País that the government has lost faith in the prison staff due to the latest episodes of prisoners being found with drugs and weapons.  Additionally, prison staff members were charged with bribery for allowing prisoners to escape.   The goal is to improve controls at access points with military intervention, using the latest in detection technology.

Police sources admitted that the entry of drugs and weapons is related to corruption in the police force, pointing his finger at prisoner relatives who are bribing the guards.  During the past year they also uncovered three attorneys who were attempting to smuggle drugs, weapons, and money into the prisons.  Members of ONG (Non-Governmental Organization) were also caught trying to smuggle weapons inside a kitchen cabinet.

President José Mujica said that the prison situation is “sad”, and indicated that the Ministry of the Interior will take measures necessary to obtain the best possible level of security inside the prisons.  The vast majority of the prison staff have nothing to do with the lapses of a very few, but security must be improved. 

The Senate is also discussing another proposal that would permit the government to temporarily house prisoners at military installations.  It would also authorize the government to hire 1,500 additional prison employees,

(www.elpais.com.uy, July 7, 2010)