For Immediate Release 13 October 2009

Recently released prisoner busted with P

Staff undertaking contraband searches in a routine operation at Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility had a busy day on Saturday. Staff searched 48 visitors and almost 30 vehicles, leading to the arrest of two people for methamphetamine and utensils found in their vehicle.

“As part of normal search procedures, staff emptied the handbag of a woman who was at the prison to collect her belongings – she had been remanded in custody before being granted bail and released from the prison,” says Prison Manager Agnes Robertson.

“Inside her handbag we found a used meth pipe, two dozen point bags, some powder cutting compound and 2 grams of the drug with a street value thought to be around $2000.”

“The recently released woman and the driver of the vehicle she was travelling in were detained by staff until the Police arrived to arrest them and remove the contraband items, which are likely to be used as evidence against her if she is charged with their possession.”

“We don’t think in this instance that she was trying to smuggle drugs into the Prison, but having just left our custody, she should have known better,” says Mrs Robertson.

“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.

“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.”

ENDS

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