Guard busted for alleged drug smuggling at Burnside jail

RCMP are accusing two more people of trying to smuggle drugs into the Nova Scotia Correctional Facility, including a jail guard.

Robert Shane Pearcey, a guard at the Burnside jail, and Sherri Ann Arsenault were arrested at their Halifax area homes.

Police said they seized a small quantity of drugs when they searched both properties.

"[Their arrest] involved the supply of drugs and contraband to inmates at the correctional centre in Burnside," said RCMP Sgt. Keith MacKinnon.

MacKinnon said the arrests arenot connected to any previous investigations into drug smugglingat the jail.

"The drug trade is an attractive opportunity for some people,"he said.

"Motivations are subject to some speculation, and I won't get into that.But it's also against the law and it's our job to ensure that our communities are safe and that this activity doesn't carry on."

Pearcey is due back in court next month to answer to the charges. In the meantime, he has been placed on administrative leave.