For Immediate Release 14 July 2009

Visitors given the boot

Super sleuthing by staff at Auckland Prison yesterday afternoon led to the arrest of a visitor attempting to enter the prison with modified shoes packed full of drugs and a cellphone.

“Staff approached a vehicle in the prison car park and identified themselves. The visitors claimed they had no contraband items however staff informed the driver and her passenger that they were to be searched. The visitors were then asked to comply with a ‘rub down’ search,” says Prison Manager Kelly Puohotaua.

“On the female visitor we found a cellphone, brand new, that she had no idea how to use. This was seized from her and the Police were called.”

“The male visitor was picked up by the metal detector on his way to being searched, indicating an object possibly concealed in his shoes. Staff began the rub down search and could strongly smell glue. The inner sole and outer heel of each of his shoes had been removed and cannabis and a cellphone packed inside them, before they were glued back together.”

“The visitor was then detained by staff until the Police arrived to arrest him, and caution the female.”

“The Police advised us late yesterday that the quantity of cannabis was around 70 grams – more than two ounces. This is a good find for our staff, and we are obviously very pleased it didn’t get into the hands of prisoners.”

“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.”

“Contraband like drugs and weapons making their way into the hands of prisoners is extremely dangerous for other prisoners, our staff and in rare cases, the public. It is unacceptable and the exact reason we continue to be vigilant in our searches and our general screening of visitors, contractors, and staff. In addition to the male visitor facing criminal charges laid by Police, we will also look to ban both visitors from prison property.”

Staff have seen visitors attempt every trick in the book to get contraband to prisoners – some even stooping as low as planting drugs inside a baby’s nappy.

“Every single person entering the prison goes through the same security process and we will not hesitate in taking action against people naive enough to think that they will get away with it,” says Mr Puohotaua.

ENDS

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