13 August
Staff at Tongariro/Rangipo Prison have proven their thorough search skills will locate contraband hidden in even the most unsuspected places, as drugs were found stashed inside a can of deodorant during a cell search.
Tongariro/Rangipo Prison Manager Steve Greer says last Sunday staff at the prison became aware a prisoner might have contraband in their possession.
“With this information staff acted immediately and conducted a full body and cell search of the suspected prisoner,” says Mr Greer.
“During the cell search, staff suspected contraband may be hidden in the deodorant can and on closer inspection found that the can had been tampered with. Staff dismantled the can and discovered a capsule of green resin and green leaves which tested positive for cannabis.
“This find just highlights the excellent work being done by our staff in our efforts to reduce drugs in prisons.”
Mr Greer says Corrections has various methods to prevent and detect drug use and contraband in prison.
“We often conduct regular searches of cells, prisoners, visitors, prison buildings and also conduct random drug tests on prisoners.
"The relationship between drugs and crime has been well documented. A high proportion of prisoners have a life-long history of drug dependency and a significant amount of crime is committed by offenders who are affected by drugs or alcohol on the day of the offence."
Corrections works constantly to prevent and detect contraband in our prisons. This includes enhancing our intelligence, regular searching, increased security and our drug dogs.
“This has resulted in the national number of prisoners showing positive results in random drug tests falling to an all time low of 10.5%.”
The prisoner now faces disciplinary action for the possession of illegal drugs.
Notes to reporter: