3 February
Staff receiving new prisoners into Manawatu Prison late last week were successful in stopping contraband entering the prison which prevented drugs winding up in the hands of prisoners.
“Staff at the receiving office of the prison were taking new prisoners through entry procedures when they noticed an exchange between two of the prisoners. Staff saw one prisoner place something down another prisoner’s top and moved immediately to intervene,” says Manawatu Prison Manager Peter Howe.
Having witnessed the suspicious behaviour staff removed the prisoner suspected of carrying contraband to a separate room and undertook a search.
"Staff found a cellphone, a cellphone battery and an emptied pill capsule which had been filled with cannabis oil and then wrapped in glad wrap.
“Incidents like this always surprise me. These prisoners would have known that they would be under vigilant observation by our staff as they entered the prison, but they still attempted to smuggle contraband items in. This only confirms what we already know, that the demand for drugs in prison is high and despite the consequences prisoners will and do try anything to get drugs in.
“Any chance of the contraband actually entering the prison was stopped by the vigilance of the staff who observed the exchange between the two prisoners. I am very proud of the ongoing efforts of staff to remain steadfast in their approach to ensuring contraband does not enter the prison.”
The prisoner found in possession of the drugs has now been charged by police.
“We encourage anyone being pressured to help prisoners get contraband items to let us know by ringing 0800 JAIL SAFE (5245 7233).”
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