Senior prison officer Derron Watson was arrested on 28 February 2024 for allegedly smuggling drugs into HMP Northward.[1] The arrest was disclosed in a joint press release from the RCIPS, the Cayman Islands Prison Service and the Department of Public Safety Communications.[1] On his arrival at the prison compound, Watson was confronted and searched by senior officials.[1] During the search an unknown quantity of vegetable matter suspected to be ganja was retrieved.[1] He was then transported to the CI Prisoner Detention Centre, where he remained in custody pending further police investigation.[1]

Following the 28 February joint operation at HMP Northward, Watson was charged with misconduct in public office and supplying drugs (ganja).[2] Watson later appeared in Grand Court and pleaded not guilty to one charge of misconduct in public office.[3] He was accused of smuggling the ganja into the prison for one inmate.[3]

In May 2025 Watson was acquitted of misconduct in public office over the allegation that he smuggled 55 grams of ganja into HMP Northward.[4] He denied willing smuggling, claiming he had been coerced into carrying the drugs by unknown armed gunmen.[4] The jury returned a not-guilty majority verdict after a trial lasting just over a week.[4] The judge commented that Watson, suspended on full pay since he was charged, may not be suitable for reinstatement to his former job.[4]