1 April
A suspicious courier package was stopped in its tracks at Auckland Prison in Paremoremo yesterday when a drug dog checking the incoming mail indicated that the package contained contraband.
On searching the parcel, staff at the prison found a new pair of sandals – each with a heel full of methamphetamine.
Prison staff dismantled the shoes, and found a total of 4.2 grams of methamphetamine concealed inside them. As a ‘hit’ of methamphetamine usually amounts to 0.1 of a gram, this represents a significant find for the prison.
“People will try all sorts of ways of getting drugs and other contraband into prisons,” says Assistant Regional Manager Northern Jeanette Burns.
“We are constantly coming across new methods of concealment aimed at getting illegal material into Auckland Prison. Our staff are constantly searching and checking visitors, mail, vehicles – anything coming onto the site.”
“Our staff are trained to look for abnormalities in packages that may indicate the presence of contraband, and Auckland Prison’s drug dog team routinely joins in our mail searches.”
“We work hard to address the drug and alcohol addictions that many prisoners have when they enter prison, and it is disappointing that members of the public put so much time and effort into trying to ruin the good work our staff are doing.”
“Stopping contraband from entering prisons is a big step to treating prisoners’ addictions, and we can then work to reduce demand for drugs through effective rehabilitation programmes such as the Department’s six Drug Treatment Units.”
“This was a good result for the drug dog team and for the prison. As a site, and as a Department we are committed to stopping all contraband from entering our facilities, and when our staff have successes like these it’s a big win for us."
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