25 August, 2003
In a signficant find, Corrections staff today found a range of contraband including methamphetamine, cannabis oil, a cellphone and money at Rimutaka Prison.
The find came about as part of the routine searching of inmates and their facilities by Corrections staff and drug dogs, says Tony Coyle, National Crime Prevention Co-ordinator.
Mr Coyle says the contraband discovery highlights the excellent work of Corrections staff in detecting drugs and other illegal material that has entered prison.
Mr Coyle explains that the Department, through its Drug Reduction Strategy, has a number of initiatives in place to prevent drugs and other contraband in prison. Many inmates have drug problems and these problems are often a cause of their offending. The strategy aims to minimise harm caused by drug use.
"We target the supply of drugs into prison, the demand for drugs, other crime associated with the supply and distribution of drugs and the harm caused by drug abuse.
"To achieve the strategy, some of the methods used include visitor searches, vehicle checkpoints, regular searches of cells and prison buildings, use of drug detector dogs, a national 0800 JAILSAFE (0800 524 572) phone line, gathering crime-related intelligence and liaison with the Police. Eligible inmates may also attend alcohol and drug rehabilitation programmes.
"The matter has been referred to the police for further investigation, and the substances found will be sent for further analysis," Mr Coyle advised.