The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is probing how convicted dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel came to be in possession of two cellular phones just days apart at the Tower Street Correctional Facility.

 

The DCS confirmed that the artiste, whose given name is Adidja Palmer, was among three inmates who were found in possession of the prohibited device.

 

It is understood that a cellular phone was confiscated from the artiste on Sunday and another on Friday during a search.

 

DCS said Palmer's movements are being restricted pending the investigation.

 

It also dismissed allegations that he has been 'locked down', stating that he is in a regular cell.

 

But Palmer's attorney Isat Buchanan, who was crafting a court application when contacted, said he will be seeking the court's assistance in relation to the artiste's alleged lockdown for 23 hours per day, despite his health condition.

 

He also questioned "whether or not there was some authorisation to change the circumstances of his housing in light of the fact that where he’s currently housed is poorly ventilated".

 

"There is no facility that can pretty much care for his condition. As you know, he is in private treatment in terms of managing his illness, and notwithstanding that he is Adidja Palmer, it could be any inmate in similar circumstances with medical conditions," he argued. 

 

Mr. Buchanan said the application could be filed in court as soon as Friday.