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Read the press release here.

Rikers Guard Smuggled Booze, Marijuana Into Island Friday, DOI Says

By Ben Fractenberg | December 9, 2016 4:53pm
 Rikers guard James Brown was arrested after trying to smuggle drugs, alcohol and a cellphone onto the island on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016.
Rikers guard James Brown was arrested after trying to smuggle drugs, alcohol and a cellphone onto the island on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016.
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Department of Investigation

THE BRONX — A correction officer was busted after trying to smuggle drugs and alcohol onto Rikers Island Friday, officials said.

James Brown, 45, was heading in for his shift at the Otis Bantum Correctional Center at about 1 p.m. when a drug-sniffing dog, Gunner, pointed him out, according to the Department of Investigation.

Officers searched Brown’s pants, socks and duffel bag and found an Arizona Iced Tea bottle filled with booze, a cellphone and eight zip-close packages holding 5.67 ounces of marijuana and 4.97 ounces of tobacco. 

“Correction Officers who smuggle contraband into facilities, undermine safety, violate their duty to the City and their fellow officers, and will be arrested,” DOI Commissioner Mark Peters said in a statement.

“DOI’s focus on this and related illegal behavior has already resulted in 37 arrests, and counting, as well as significant reforms such as the introduction of drug-detecting canine units at the staff entrances. I thank DOC for its partnership in this investigation and its willingness to work towards improving the City’s jails.”

Brown, who joined the force in January was making a base salary of $41,992. He was suspended by DOC after his arrest.

The bust happened after a routine inspection and was not initiated by a specific tip, a DOI spokeswoman said.

The agency has been more intensely investigating CO abuses for about two years.

Two other guards were recently indicted on charges of attacking a suicidal inmate and covering up the beating.

Brown, who lives in Queens, was held on $50,000 bail after his arraignment Friday night. 

The Department of Correction said the "vast majority" of CO's "perform their duties with the highest level of integrity" and that they have "zero tolerance" for those who abuse their positions. 

"Commissioner Ponte has made clear that the department will take all appropriate steps to keep weapons, drugs and other contraband out of DOC facilities while respecting the rights of the hardworking men and women who serve in our city’s jails,” DOC spokesman Peter Thorne said in a statement.