For Immediate Release 11 September 2009

Drug find in glasses case short-sighted

Staff searching prisoners’ visitors and their cars in a routine operation at Mt Eden Prison yesterday morning led to Police removing a visitor from the site because of items found in her vehicle.

“Staff approached the vehicle in the prison car park and identified themselves. The visitor was offered the chance to declare any contraband items in her vehicle and chose not to,” says acting Prison Manager Neville Mark.

“Underneath the drivers seat, staff found a glasses case containing a quantity of what is thought to have been cannabis packaged so it could be smuggled into the prison, a glass pipe consistent with methamphetamine use and various bags containing crystal substances.”

“The visitor was detained by staff until the Police arrived to arrest her and remove the contraband items, which are likely to be used as evidence against her if she is charged with their possession.”

“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,” says Mr Mark.

“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 visitor facing possible criminal charges laid by Police, we will also look to ban her from visiting the prison, meaning she wont be able to visit her friend while he serves his sentence.”

“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 Mark.

ENDS

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