17 April
Staff at Rimutaka Prison foiled an apparent attempt by a former prisoner and his accomplice to smuggle contraband into the prison yesterday evening.
“Thanks to the vigilance and quick actions of our staff we managed to keep contraband out of our prison and maintain its security,” says Acting Rimutaka Prison Manager Richard Symonds.
“Staff became aware there may be an issue when they observed two men come onto the site last night acting suspiciously. When we approached them they began to run, we knew then that they were up to no good.
“One of them wasn’t fast enough though, he was apprehended and identified as a former prisoner who was released last week.
Prison staff contacted Police immediately who arrived onsite to arrest the man. Police searched the prison grounds with the aid of a dog but were unable to locate the second man.
“Our staff searched the area the men had been in and found what looks to be the purpose of their visit – a package was retrieved which contained a small amount of cannabis, some tobacco, cigarette papers, a cellphone and charger.
“Two prisoners were attempting to retrieve the package with home made fishing lines. They were stopped and have been charged with misconduct under the prison’s internal disciplinary system.
“These items had the potential to disrupt the security of our sites and put staff and prisoner safety at risk. It is great that our hard working staff intercepted the package.
“The Department works constantly to prevent contraband entering our prisons. This includes the use of intelligence, regular searching, increased security and our drug dogs.
“Stopping contraband entering prisons, and apprehending those who do attempt to smuggle it in, is one of Corrections’ highest priorities.”
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Phone: (04) 460 3365
Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz
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