20 October
Eagle-eyed staff conducting security checks around the perimeter of Christchurch Men’s Prison late last night are being credited with preventing a tennis ball stuffed with drugs winding up in the hands of prisoners today.
“Staff were conducting an external security check around the boundary of the prison last night and making sure all was quiet and as it should be for the night,” says Acting Prison Manager Trevor Saunders.
“They found the ball in some grass near the perimeter fence, picked it up and checked it and were alerted by the fact it rattled.”
“Once opened, staff found 60 triazolam pills inside the ball and two capsules of heroin, which isn’t common in prison due to its limited availability in New Zealand, and its cost, which multiplies in prison. We suspect a friend or family member had been asked to pack it with drugs, reseal it and throw it into the prison.”
“Our security staff continue to be steadfast in their monitoring of attempts to introduce contraband items into the prison. Evidence from the drug find has been secured and handed over to Police, who may choose to investigate further and lay criminal charges.”
“There was no threat to the safety of the public, staff or other prisoners on this occasion thanks to the excellent work of staff."
“I view any attempt to get contraband into the prison as serious and that’s exactly why we continue to be so vigilant in our security checks, in our monitoring of prisoners phone calls, in our searches of visitors and their vehicles and our screening of prisoners’ mail.”
“The demand for drugs in prison is high and unfortunately prisoners put a lot of pressure on their friends and family to smuggle it in for them. It is our job to keep it out.”
“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, and we encourage anyone being pressured to help prisoners get drugs to let us know by ringing 0800 JAIL SAFE (5245 7233).”
ENDS
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