The St Catherine South police seized a cellphone from a prisoner on Tuesday albeit in 'dark' circumstances.

Information reaching The Star is that about 4:30 p.m. police were conducting a search of the lock-ups at the Portmore Police Station and upon approaching one of the 13 cells, a prisoner was said to have placed a phone in his rectum.

Vigilant police personnel extracted the Samsung phone from its hiding place. It is now in the possession of the police, who were shocked about the discovery. Other items seized during the search were cigarettes, matches and lighters.

In recent times, contraband in the lock-up has resulted in the injury of one inmate who was burnt with melted plastic while in his cell. Six other inmates have since been charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

The Star was informed that no cellphones, lighter, cigarettes or anything that can cause harm, should be in the possession of inmates.

Meanwhile, investigations have started to determine how the contraband got into the possession of the prisoner.