24 March
Christchurch Men’s Prison staff caught a prison visitor bringing a large amount of narcotics onto the prison site on Saturday.
“This visitor came to the prison on Saturday and our staff were immediately suspicious, she appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” says Acting Christchurch Men’s Prison Manager Trevor Saunders.
“The visitor was immediately searched as was her vehicle and passenger. Our suspicions were proved when the prison drug dog team found some substantial quantities of narcotics in her vehicle.
“We found, and seized, cannabis, heroine, a large number of pills and drug paraphernalia hidden in the vehicle. I’m very pleased with how our staff reacted quickly to search this visitor and prevent any attempt at bringing contraband into the prison.
“Stopping contraband entering prisons, and apprehending those who do attempt to smuggle it in, is one of Corrections’ highest priorities.
“The Department works constantly to prevent contraband entering our prisons. This includes the use of intelligence, regular searching, increased security and our drug dogs. There are currently 12 drug dogs working around the country.
“This visitor later revealed that she had recently taken drugs and had actually meant to visit a prisoner at Christchurch Women’s Prison – instead she accidentally drove into the men’s prison and straight into trouble.
“Unfortunately for her our drug dog handler noticed her erratic behaviour and stopped her going anywhere. Following the search we contacted the Police and they attended the prison to arrest this visitor and remove the evidence.
“We are very pleased that this visitor and her passenger won’t be darkening our doorstep again in a hurry. She has been charged by Police and her passenger has received an exclusion notice from the Prison.”
Note to reporter:
The Department cannot comment on the name of the visitors due to court proceedings relating to this incident.
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