30 May, 2003
A vehicle checkpoint at Mt Eden Prison yesterday yielded drugs and weapons in visitors' possession.
Site Manager Brigid Bradley said the checkpoint was a combined exercise with local police.
"Around 125 vehicles were searched by prison staff and police with the aid of drug detector dogs. Eight arrests were made, of individuals who had drugs or weapons either in their vehicle or in their possession. A further arrest was made for an outstanding warrant."
Brigid Bradley says the arrests highlight the excellent work of Corrections staff and Police to prevent drugs and other illegal material entering prisons.
"Just two weeks ago another such checkpoint here resulted in 10 arrests and reinforces why we need to be vigilant," she says.
National Crime Prevention Coordinator Tony 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," says Mr Coyle.