Men arrested at prison with drugs, gun

Two men visiting Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility were arrested yesterday, just hours apart, after prison staff discovered drugs and utensils in their vehicles, and a firearm in one of the men’s cars.

“We regularly search visitors, staff and contractors coming to the prison to make sure that they don’t have contraband or illegal items with them that could jeopardise the safety or security of our operations,” says Prison Manager Agnes Robertson.

“Both men were at the prison to visit pick up prisoners who were being released. Their cars were stopped in the prison car park and they were informed that their vehicles would be searched by our officers.”

“At around 8.30am the first man’s car was searched. Under the driver’s seat, staff found a glove with a glass pipe concealed inside. In the glovebox there were several small ziplock bags which contained around 2.4 grams of a white powder believed to be methamphetamine. Also found in the car was a pistol which was later confirmed by Police to be an imitation, but it added a sinister element to the situation for our staff.”

“At around 10.30am staff searched the second man’s car and uncovered a camera case under the passenger seat. The case contained a glass pipe, alcohol wipes and scales. In the seat pocket there were ziplock bags containing residue and white powder, a syringe and an assortment of unidentified pills.”

“In both instances our officers seized the items and detained the men while Police were notified. Both men were arrested. In addition to facing possible criminal charges the men will be issued 12 month exclusion notices, preventing them from visiting the prison.”

“While on this occasion we have no information to suggest either man was attempting to smuggle the items into the prison, the fact that they were picking up women who were being released is worrying. The items suggest they aren’t the best support people for these women in terms of reducing their risk of reoffending.”

“The majority of the prisoners we manage have long histories of using and abusing drugs. Drugs are common in their social circles and are often linked to their crime. While they are in prison and away from these lifestyles we work hard to help them overcome their dependencies and restrict their access to drugs. It is then that we have a much better chance of preventing their return to jail.”

ENDS

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