No drugs coming inside equals low drug test results

Results from a prison checkpoint operation at Auckland Prison last weekend show that people are becoming more aware of the consequences they will face when attempting to traffic contraband items to prisoners says Prison Manager Neil Beales.

“Staff and a drug dog carrying out searches on people entering the site on Saturday found nothing,” says Mr Beales. “No drugs, no alcohol, no weapons, no cellphones. None of the prohibited items that some people try and get inside the jail.”

“Although I’m really happy about this particular result, it is not always the case. On occasion staff have found drugs planted in toddlers nappies or kids toys and it’s sad to see children being used for this purpose. Prisoners partners are also pressured or manipulated into being ‘mules’ to get drugs to prisoners. The lengths people will go to is both astounding and disturbing, to have such a good result is encouraging for us.”

“For many of the prisoners at Auckland Prison, drug use and abuse was a big part of life before coming to prison – and often contributed to their offending, whether they were stealing to support their addiction, or under the influence at the time of their crime.”

“For these reasons, and for the safety of the public, our staff and other prisoners that we manage, we work really hard to prevent drugs getting to prisoners. We also provide drug abuse treatment for prisoners who want to put a stop to the destructive effect that drugs on their lives, therefore reducing the demand for drugs inside.”

Prison Checkpoints are set up in carparks and on roads leading into prisons, and are conducted regularly by every prison around the country to search anyone visiting the site and their vehicle. Corrections staff are sometimes assisted by Police who carry out checks on vehicles and issue infringement notices to non-compliant vehicles and drivers.

In the last financial year positive random drug tests on prisoners nationally gave the lowest result since drug tests began in 1998 at 10.5%. Auckland Prison’s year to date result so far is at 3.2% - far below the national result, and partly attributed to the East division of the prison having only non-contact visits with family and friends, meaning there is no way for visitors to pass items to prisoners.

“I am pleased some people appear to be listening to and heeding our warnings. We will catch you if you are trying to get drugs or other items to prisoners. You risk being penalised by us through being banned from visiting the site as well as having possible criminal charges laid by Police. It’s not worth the risk.”

ENDS

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