21 January
A recent prison checkpoint operation at Mt Eden Prison and Auckland Central Remand Prison has resulted in a methamphetamine find with a street value between $5,000 and $10,000.
On searching one prison visitor vehicle, staff found around 40 pointbags with one containing five grams of a white crystal-like substance. Staff also noticed that the driver of the car was a recently released prisoner.
“The occupants of the car were immediately detained by staff and the Police were called. After questioning the occupants Police then arrested the duo,” says Assistant Prison Manager Neville Mark.
“This example shows that even ex-prisoners who are well aware that we conduct these checks on prison visitors will try and bring drugs onto the premises. Our staff work incredibly hard to stop the flow of contraband so it is always a good result for us when we intercept attempts like this one.
“Prison Checkpoints are one of many measures we have in place to stop people trying to smuggle illegal material into our facilities. Vehicles are stopped entering the site, and both the vehicle and occupants are searched.
“Any vehicles containing contraband or people carrying contraband are refused entry to the site, and when illegal items such as methamphetamine are located the person or people involved are detained until the police can come and arrest them.
“I hope that this example will deter people from attempting to bring drugs onto prison sites, and reinforce to them that attempts to introduce contraband to our facilities will not be tolerated.”
Over 30 vehicles were checked during the routine operation which resulted in the two arrests and 17 other people receiving warnings about carrying contraband in the form of weapons.
Notes to Editors
Four Corrections drug dog handlers and their dogs will feature in ‘Dog Squad’ which airs on Monday 25 January on TV1 at 7.30 pm. The new programme focuses on the outstanding job done by working dogs and their handlers around the country.
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Copyright © Department of Corrections | Feedback and queries email: webmaster@corrections.govt.nz