3 December
Family and friends visiting prisoners over the Christmas break shouldn’t be under the impression that seasonal goodwill will mean staff turn a blind eye to drugs and other contraband on prison property.
“We know that Christmas can be a really difficult time for friends and family members and prisoners alike, but that doesn’t mean we will be making exceptions for people breaking the law and bringing drugs, weapons, cellphones or other contraband into the prison, or even onto prison grounds,” says Grace Smit Mt Eden and Auckland Central Remand Prison Assistant Regional Manager.
“Last week we had a man arrive at the prison who was told he was going to be searched under section 99 of the Corrections Act. The drug dog indicated the presence of drugs in the pocket of his jeans and he handed over a small amount of cannabis and a couple of pipes. We notified the Police who arrived and arrested him for outstanding warrants and possession of cannabis.”
In addition to any criminal charges pursued by Police, the man has been banned from visiting the prison for the maximum period allowed of 12 months.
“While he only had a small amount of the drug, upholding the integrity of our site security is paramount. Bringing drugs to a corrections facility is a breach of the Corrections Act and is illegal. More than that, drugs in the hands of prisoners can make the working environment more dangerous for our staff and, in rare cases, compromise the safety of the public," says Ms Smit.
“We expect to see heightened numbers of people attempting to conceal drugs in cards and gifts posted to prisoners near to Christmas. People should be under no illusion that they will get away with this. All incoming mail is checked, and if it appears suspect, we hand it over to the Police to investigate further.
“Working through the Christmas holiday period is part of providing an essential public service, and our staff will be continuing to ensure that contraband has a reduced chance of getting into the prison, and that anyone who is found breaching the rules will be held to account for their actions.
“Christmas may be a time for giving, but phone-cards are a more appropriate gift idea for prisoners.”
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
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