3 December
A joint operation at Rimutaka Prison between prison staff, Police and Operational Intelligence has led to the arrest of two men after they tried to throw a tennis ball with cannabis into one of the prison’s exercise yards.
“Following raised suspicions from prison staff about some prisoners’ behaviour, Operational Intelligence and Police were notified and became aware of arrangements made for a contraband drop off,” Prison Manager Richard Symonds said.
“Plans to intercept the drug smuggling attempt were made. An alternative exercise area was assigned for the prisoners’ afternoon recreation period, leaving the target drop off area empty, with just a member of staff waiting to retrieve the tennis ball and its contents.”
As the perpetrators started to leave the site in the vehicle, a strategically place unmarked Police car pulled in front of the vehicle, the vehicle was stopped and the occupants were subsequently arrested and charged with Possession of Cannabis to Supply.
“The detection of this attempt to introduce drugs into the prison is another example of the vigilance of our staff in reducing the drug availability for prisoners. It is also a great example of the co operation between the prison, Police and Operational Intelligence in ensuring contraband does not enter the prison.
“We have a number of initiatives in place to prevent drugs and other contraband entering the prison including visitor searches, vehicle checkpoints, and the use of drug detector dogs. The chance that drug smuggling attempts will be intercepted by our staff means it just isn’t worth trying,” Mr Symonds said.
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