6 November
A visitor to Hawkes Bay Regional Prison was arrested yesterday after vigilant corrections officers found cannabis and methamphetamine in her vehicle.
The drugs were found in a handbag under the driver’s seat during a routine inspection of visitor vehicles. The woman was then detained and Police were contacted.
"I am extremely proud of the way my staff handled the situation which has now resulted in the woman’s arrest. We are absolutely committed to stopping contraband entering the prison. It was very pleasing that we could seize these drugs and prevent them from being taken by prisoners,” says Prison Manager George Massingham.
“We know that members of the public can sometimes come under intense pressure to try and smuggle drugs into prison for their family or friends. This incident should be a warning to other visitors who are considering bringing in contraband. People considering this really need to ask themselves is it really worth potentially getting arrested? Not only that, you will also be banned from visiting the prison for up to 12 months.
“We encourage anyone being pressured to help prisoners get drugs to let us know by ringing 0800 JAIL SAFE (5245 7233).
“Nationally, random prisoner positive drug tests are sitting at an all time low and yesterday’s find is one of the ways we are achieving this. Drug use in our prisons will not be tolerated.”
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