2 November
Vigilant corrections officers can be praised for stopping a pill sized bottle containing cannabis leaf and oil from entering Manawatu Prison on the weekend.
Staff noticed a prisoner being handed an object by a visitor. They were quick to approach the prisoner and request the object be handed over.
"On inspection it was found the bottle contained cannabis leaf and oil. The prisoner and his visitors were then detained separately, we called the Police and handed over the evidence,” says Prison Manager Peter Howe.
“We are well aware that members of the public can sometimes come under intense pressure to try and smuggle drugs into prison for their family or friends. However we have a number of measures in place to stop drugs and other contraband entering the Prison. This includes visitor searches, vehicle checkpoints, the use of drug detector dogs and monitoring during visits by staff and cameras.
“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. We encourage anyone being pressured to help prisoners get drugs to let us know by ringing 0800 JAIL SAFE (5245 7233).
"I am very proud of the work done by our staff to stop these drugs getting in. We get on average 20-30 visitors during these sessions so staff vigilance is vital in monitoring prisoners and their visitors to ensure no contraband enters the prison.
“These kinds of finds should be a warning to other visitors who are considering bringing in contraband. In the end it really is not worth it. If you try you will be caught and you will face the full consequences of your illegal actions. Not only that, you will be banned from visiting the prison for up to 12 months.
“Nationally, random prisoner positive drug tests are sitting at an all time low and today’s find is one of the ways we are achieving this. Drug use in our prisons will not be tolerated.”
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk: