Woman’s arrest for drugs should be deterrent to others

A significant find of cannabis in the vehicle of a visitor to Auckland Central Remand Prison (ACRP) this week should act as a deterrent to other says Prison Manager Grace Smit.

On Tuesday morning staff and black Kelpie-cross drug dog Flash were carrying out regular searches of visitors and their vehicles in the prison car park. Over the course of the day they searched 127 vehicles and 178 people, issuing seven warnings for items such as knives or alcohol in visitors’ vehicles. Their work also led to the arrest of a woman after she handed over two plastic ziplock bags of cannabis.

“The woman was parking her car after dropping a passenger at the prison entry. As the driver entered the prison car park she was informed that routine searches were taking place and asked to declare any drugs, alcohol or weapons in her possession,” says Ms Smit.

“The woman hesitated, then opened the glovebox and passed over the bags to the drug dog handler. The amount of cannabis she had gave staff reason to notify Police, who arrived at the prison shortly afterwards and arrested her.”

The drugs weighed in at nearly 60 grams - more than twice the amount needed for Police to charge her with possession for supply. If charged, she could face up to three months in prison or pay a fine not exceeding $500.00.

“This is a huge price to pay. In addition to any penalty that may be handed down by the Courts, she will also be issued with an exclusion notice banning her from the prison for up to 12 months. People should think very carefully about these consequences before taking the risk of bringing drugs to a jail.”

“The woman’s passenger was located and returned to the vehicle. She was searched, along with a box of property she was dropping off to her son, a prisoner. Inside the box was a book containing cannabis residue. She is now also facing an exclusion notice,” says Ms Smit.

“Not only are drugs illegal, but they have the potential to be dangerous on many levels in a prison environment. Drug-affected prisoners can be a danger to staff, other prisoners, and in very rare cases, the public. This is exactly why we continue to be vigilant in searching for contraband, and taking action when we find it.”

“Searching has been made easier now that ACRP and neighbouring Mt Eden Prison share a single point of entry. All visitors, staff and contractors enter the site through one gate and are searched, along with their bags. The site is safer because of the experience and knowledge of staff working with new technology such as a metal detector, x-ray machine and cameras that watch out for anyone trying to evade the process.”

ENDS

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