the maximum security section of Westgate Correctional Facility, according to prison sources.

No bags are allowed inside the maximum security area yet the officer was able to sneak in a Rottweiler puppy which ended up in the remand prisoner's cell.

The prison insider said officers were concerned the dog could have been concealing drugs and wanted to know if it was x-rayed.

The source said many officers were so angry at their colleague's behaviour they believe he should be fired.

"How could a dog end up in a drug dealer's room? It could have contained drugs,'' said the source.

"No bags are allowed in that area but he was able to take in a big bag with a Rottweiler.

"How was he able to smuggle a dog into maximum security and none of the senior officers saw him? "Apparently he claimed the dog was sick, but what was it doing in a drug dealer's room? "The officer left later that day and didn't come back. The Police should have been called to get the dog x-rayed to see if it had drugs.'' The insider said the incident took place on the morning watch last Thursday and named the officer and name of the prisoner in whose cell the dog was allegedly found.

"The dog must have been discovered when another officer was called in to take the dog out,'' the source said.

"But this officer kept putting down the phone and cursing other people that got involved.

"Several officers are really disgusted because he had no consideration for his colleagues and the repercussions because he could have put their jobs on the line.

"Some officers saw the dog but were afraid to say anything because they were in disbelief that he would do something like that. He thinks he's untouchable.'' The Prison Service did not return calls to The Royal Gazette yesterday.

A Police spokesman said: "This is an internal matter for the Prison Service.''