A team of specialist Corrective Services NSW officers have seized drugs and weapons after a statewide blitz to prevent contraband entering the NSW prison system.
Corrective Services NSW’s Security Operations Group screened more than 1,200 visitors across 12 correctional complexes this week, seizing knives, ice, opioids and marijuana.
The estimated prison market value for the drugs seized amounted to over $220,000.
The blitz comes as inmates continue to look for ways to smuggle illegal items into centres, including attempting drone drops or covert pick-ups on medical escorts.
"Know this – if you’re foolish enough to try and bring contraband material into our prisons, we will find it, you will be caught, and NSW Police will be notified,” Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said.
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"The drugs contraband that was seized as part of this operation has been estimated to hold a prison market value of over $220,000, which demonstrates just how important the detection of contraband material is, in order to maintain the safety and good order of our Corrections facilities.
Mr Chanthivong also warned that searches can extend out to the front gates, where routine searches are conducted.
Corrective Services NSW relies on a number of measures to prevent the introduction of contraband in NSW prisons, including CCTV surveillance, body and x-ray scanners and spontaneous and routine searches.
These searches for contraband weren’t only limited to the inside of a prison, but also extended right out to the front gates, with both people and cars searched during the operation.
“Visitors are critically important to the wellbeing of inmates but what isn’t helpful is attempting to smuggle in contraband that can have a devastating impact not only on the lives of their loved ones but to many others in our custody,” Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM, said.
“Prisons are one of the most monitored places in our state – when you enter a centre or complex, you’re being watched and high-visibility operations like these are a good example of why.
“They can happen at any time, at any centre and, combined with our other contraband detection methods, mean there is a high chance you will be caught,” he said.
