16 April
Staff at Christchurch Men’s Prison recovered two packages of cannabis during a search of the prison grounds yesterday morning.
Prison Manager John Roper believes the drugs were destined for pick-up and distribution amongst the prisoners.
“On the night of Wednesday 14 April staff were patrolling the grounds around the organics farm after we received information that there was going to be an attempt to smuggle contraband into the prison.
“Two ex-prisoners were found loitering in the darkness; they were immediately detained and Police later arrested and removed them from prison grounds.”
Mr Roper says the next morning further searching of the area where the intruders had been detained recovered a package containing 24 grams of cannabis.
“Continued persistence and investigation lead to the recovery of a second article containing 6 grams of cannabis. Staff secured both items and passed them to Police for fingerprinting.
“This is yet another example of our staff at Christchurch Prison, through their vigilance and co-operation, making the prison a safer, securer environment for both prisoners and staff.
“We use every possible means available to us to stop contraband getting into the prison – including visitor searches, vehicle checkpoints, the use of drug detector dogs as well as intelligence gathering. We then work closely with Police to ensure that those responsible for smuggling it into the prison are held responsible.”
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Copyright © Department of Corrections | Feedback and queries email: webmaster@corrections.govt.nz