Shajuan Walters Receives Sentence for Contraband Trafficking

On July 18, 2025, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force announced the conviction and sentencing of Shajuan Walters, a resident of Lodge Village, St. Kitts. Walters was found guilty of unlawfully conveying prohibited items into His Majesty’s Prison on October 24, 2024. The smuggled items included a flash drive, a digital SIM card, and portions of the cannabis plant. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle against contraband smuggling within the Federation’s correctional facilities, a challenge the police force is actively combating with a “zero tolerance” policy.

Walters faced two separate charges, one for conveying electronic devices and another for attempting to smuggle cannabis. He pleaded guilty to both charges. For the first charge, pertaining to the flash drive and SIM card, he was fined EC $500, with a deadline of fourteen days to pay. Failure to pay the fine within the stipulated time frame would result in a one-month prison sentence. The second charge, relating to the attempted conveyance of cannabis, carried an identical fine and penalty – EC $500 payable within fourteen days or a one-month imprisonment.

The court’s ruling included a significant caveat. If Walters successfully paid both fines within the designated two-week period, no conviction would be recorded against him. This provision offered an opportunity to avoid a permanent criminal record, contingent upon prompt payment of the fines. His Honour Reynold Benjamin, presiding over the Basseterre Magistrate Court, handed down the sentence on July 15, 2025. The case underscores the seriousness with which authorities are addressing attempts to compromise prison security.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force emphasized its unwavering commitment to preventing the introduction of contraband into its correctional facilities. The force reiterated its “zero tolerance” policy, stressing the significant risks these actions pose. Smuggling contraband not only jeopardizes the safety and security of the prison environment but also has far-reaching implications for the wider community. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of such illicit activities.

The attempted smuggling of electronic devices, such as the flash drive and SIM card, raises concerns about potential communication breaches and the facilitation of further criminal activity within the prison. These devices can be used to coordinate illegal activities both inside and outside the prison walls, potentially undermining law enforcement efforts and jeopardizing public safety. Similarly, the attempted introduction of cannabis highlights the persistent issue of drug trafficking within correctional facilities, contributing to a volatile environment and hindering rehabilitation efforts.

The firm stance taken by the police force reflects their dedication to maintaining order and security within the prison system. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, the authorities aim to deter future attempts to smuggle contraband and create a safer environment for both inmates and staff. The “zero tolerance” policy signals a strong message that such behavior will not be condoned and will be met with swift and decisive action. This commitment to upholding the law is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the justice system and safeguarding the well-being of the community as a whole. This specific case serves as a clear example of the application of this policy and the consequences individuals face when attempting to breach prison security.