Drugs and weapons intercepted at Christchurch Prison

A three-day vehicle checkpoint earlier this week yielded drugs and weapons being brought in to Christchurch Prison by visitors. Some 276 vehicles were searched by prison staff and a prison drug detection dog team. Prison staff were assisted by local police.

Eleven people were prohibited from entering the prison for having a range of drugs or other illicit items either in their vehicle or in their possession. These items included knives, batons, ammunition, drugs and drug-related paraphernalia.

Three women were arrested for attempting to introduce cannabis, pills and methamphetamine into the prison.

The Department of Corrections, through its Drug Reduction Strategy, has various methods to prevent drug use and contraband in prison.

“We conduct regular searches of cells, inmates, visitors and prison buildings. We also conduct random drug testing of inmates and drug and alcohol treatment programmes are available to inmates who want to address their drug use,” says Tony Coyle, National Crime Prevention Coordinator. These finds and arrests highlight the excellent work being done by staff in Corrections’ efforts to reduce drugs in prison, says Mr Coyle.

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