Former Feydhoo Constituency MP Mohammed Nihad has voiced strong criticism of the current measures to curb smuggling in prisons, asserting that installing scanning machines alone will not solve the problem. Nihad's remarks follow an interview by Internal Security Minister Ali Ihsan, who acknowledged the ongoing issues of phones, drugs, and scam calls within prison facilities.

Minister Ihsan, in his interview with state media, highlighted the government's efforts to mitigate smuggling by installing two metal detector machines and announced the upcoming installation of a body scanning machine next month. Despite these measures, the presence of prohibited items in prison cells continues to be a significant issue.

Responding to Minister Ihsan's comments, Nihad alleged that the smuggling operations are part of a larger business managed by prison authorities and senior employees. He emphasized the need for more comprehensive reforms, pointing out that phones, drugs, and other prohibited items are frequently smuggled into prisons, with successive governments failing to address the root of the problem.

According to reports, relevant ministers and senior officials are aware of the methods used to bring contraband into prisons but have not taken effective action to stop it. The prevalence of scam calls and thefts from prison accounts remains a significant concern, with numerous phones and SIM cards seized during jail search operations, yet the problem persists.