News Release For Immediate Release 18 March 2011

Prison drug trade made "extremely difficult" says ex-prisoner

The Department of Corrections is making prison drug trading extremely difficult according to a long serving senior gang member who stated that dealing contraband in prison is, "too hard now."

He was recently released from Christchurch Men's Prison but before leaving was unwittingly heard saying that, years ago he found trading contraband easier but because of increased security measures and staff vigilance it was no longer possible.

The ex-prisoner, 36, is a gang member who has extensive criminal convictions dating back to his youth in the late 1980s.

His comments were picked up by staff via the Prison Telephone Monitoring system.

Acting Prison Manager, Paul Rushton, says the introduction and trading of contraband has become increasingly difficult for prisoners due to the significant amount of work we have put into Department security measures and staff training.

"In addition we simply do not tolerate behaviour that undermines prisoner's rehabilitation and reintegration into society, that message is increasingly being heard by prisoners and the public who try and introduce contraband. Anyone who attempts to introduce or trade contraband will face serious consequences."

"The majority of prisoners are going to leave prison at some point, we want them to return to the community and lead offence free life styles." "In order for that to happen we have very strong controls to prevent contraband getting into prison and stopping any that does get in being used or traded. For instance, at Christchurch Men's Prison there is a gatehouse, with a single point of entry, cell-phone blocking, drug detection dogs, random checkpoints for all visitors, vigilant visitor monitoring by staff and Prisoner telephone monitoring." "These measures combined are resulting in a reduction in contraband and that's something we are very happy to hear as it means that we are making a significant contribution to keeping our communities, staff and prisoners safe," says Mr Rushton.

ENDS

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