Inmate handed three-month jail term over drugs in prison

A Corradino Correctional Facility inmate, accused of handling drugs shortly after being jailed 10 years ago, has been handed a three-month jail term.

Lorraine Vella, 48, was charged with possession of heroin, methadone and cannabis resin, as well as relapsing, following two separate incidents in 2010 when a supervisor came across the accused acting somewhat suspiciously. 

On November 9, the supervisor noticed a sudden movement by a cell occupant, who slipped something under her pillow as soon as the prison official stepped into the room. 

Vella, who happened to be there at the time, simultaneously grabbed a small cigarette-like packet off the bedside table.  

Lifting the pillow, the supervisor spotted two foil pieces, one of them rolled up like a straw.

Turning upon Vella, the prison official ordered her to hand over the packet but the latter refused, kicking up a fuss when the supervisor tried to wrestle it out of her firm grip.

Two other prison officials rushed to the room. 

The packet was ultimately relinquished and opened, yielding a brownish powder, a piece of plastic tubing and some burnt foil. 

A search of the accused’s cell, next door, led to the discovery of a plastic...