Corrections’ high profile war on contraband received a welcome boost in January with Tongariro/Rangipo Prison staff successfully foiling a visitor’s brazen attempt to smuggle drugs.
Tongariro/Rangipo Prison Manager Paul Vlaanderen said thanks to onsite security measures and the diligence of staff, the visitor was 
apprehended, the drugs were seized and the Police were called.
“The minute staff suspected the woman might be smuggling drugs they detained her and the prisoner, interviewed them and located the drugs,” Mr Vlaanderen said.
“Anyone who thinks they can slip drugs past our prison checkpoints needs to think again. Corrections is determined to stop contraband entering prisons and more times than not, we are succeeding in our efforts.
“During the last five years, Tongariro/Rangipo Prison has implemented a number of security measures including electronic security devices and cameras, closed circuit TV, video motion detectors, microwave sensors, and an additional electronic barrier arm.
Corrections National Drug Testing Coordinator Paul Young (left) and National Crime Prevention Manager Tony Coyle checking a shoe found to contain well-hidden contraband.
“Prison checkpoints set up outside the prison to screen visitors also routinely conduct searches with drug dogs.”
Mr Vlaanderen said Prison Services regards any attempt to introduce contraband into the prison environment extremely serious and as such, both the prisoner and visitor caught last month were charged by the Police.
“Drug addiction among prisoners is high so a key way to address this is to stop the supply – a strategy we know works.”
Prison Services operates five Drug Treatment Units (DTUs) – Waikeria, Christchurch Men’s, Arohata, Hawke’s Bay and Rimutaka Prisons. A sixth DTU is expected to open at Spring Hill Corrections Facility by July 2008. Drug Treatment Units aim to reduce an offender’s risk of re-offending by treating their alcohol and/or other addictions.
• Sixty five per cent of all prisons now have a single point of entry to restrict contraband.
• Thirty five per cent of all prisons have centralised visiting to restrict the entry of contraband.
• Increased surveillance at gates and checkpoints, new scanning equipment and intelligence gathering capabilities have all led to a marked reduction in drug use in prisons.
• The number of drug dog teams has doubled since 2004.
• In 2006 the Government allocated a further $4.1million over four years for crime and drug detection within prisons.
• Anyone entering a prison now – staff, contractors, suppliers and the general public risk being searched for contraband.
• For the year July 2006 to June 2007, 13.8 per cent of general random drug tests were positive – compared with 34 per cent in 1998 when random drug testing was introduced.
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ISSN 1178-8453