JAIL GUARD FACES SIX DRUG CHARGES

A Halifax Correctional Centre guard arrested Christmas Eve has been
charged with six counts of smuggling drugs to inmates.

Anthony Emery DesLauriers, 39, was charged yesterday after a
month-long RCMP investigation.

DesLauriers, who worked at the Sackville jail for 11/2 years, is
charged with five counts of possession of drugs for the purpose of
trafficking and one count of trafficking in drugs. He is charged with
smuggling drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, Ritalin, and
tranquilizers to inmates. The charges stem from incidents on Dec. 10
and 24.

Jail superintendent Sean Kelly said yesterday staff at the
correctional centre are pleased with what they see as a "successful
conclusion."

At the time of DesLaurier's arrest, Kelly said he had been suspended
and would face "disciplinary proceedings up to and including dismissal."

Yesterday Kelly confirmed DesLauriers was fired Christmas
Eve.

Kelly said he feels sure the intervention of management and the RCMP
stopped the attempt to smuggle drugs into the institution.

"We take every precaution to prevent this type of incident in the
institution," he said.

"If things are happening, we quickly find out."

Prison staff are given a background check before they are
hired.

"Whether you're a clerk or a cook in the institution, you have to be
cleared," Kelly said.

The building and inmates are routinely searched for drugs, but guards
are not.

Kelly said he has confidence in the staff and hopes this will not
taint their reputation.

DesLauriers will be arraigned in Bedford provincial court Jan. 27.