A PRISON warder was arrested at the Barberton Maximum Security Prison yesterday morning after allegedly being found in possession of dagga.

Barberton police spokesperson Sergeant Jabu Ndubane confirmed that a 38-year-old prison warder was arrested for unlawful possession of dagga.

She said an informer blew the whistle at the prison, which resulted in a "special search" operation.

"The suspect is alleged to have been found in possession of dagga sticks with an estimated street value of about R2000," Ndubane said.

She said the police were called to the prison, where the warder was handed over to them and taken to the Barberton police station.

He was expected to spend the night in a police cell before appearing in court today, she said.

Ndubane said police officers had suspected the warder of selling dagga to prisoners.

"Everything is subject to investigations but our detectives believe the suspect was operating a spaza shop for selling dagga," Ndubane said.