Ten people were charged over the weekend for allegedly attempting to bring contraband items into the Wellington Correctional Centre.
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The two-day joint operation was led by Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) Security Operations Group with Orana Mid-Western Police District Target Action Group officers.
After the operation CSNSW and police have reminded people it is an offence to bring banned items on their person, in their belongings and vehicles into the grounds of correctional centres.
Assistant Commissioner for Security and Intelligence Mark Wilson PSM said while some drugs were allegedly discovered on visitors, it is also an offence for visitors to have banned items in their cars when attending the centre.
“Anyone visiting a correctional centre needs to be aware that officers and K9s are out in force conducting contraband screenings and this includes searches of any property brought on site,” Mr Wilson said.
“We make sure no stone is left un-turned. Everything on CSNSW property whether it be a handbag, pram or car is carefully inspected for contraband.
“Visitors need to use some common sense and ensure that they are not driving into a correctional facility with a boot full of hunting knives, or anything else that is considered contraband in the custodial setting such as tobacco.”
During the operation, officers assisted by contraband detection-dogs found items including:
- 122 Suboxone strips, 58 non-prescribed tablets, 23 capsules and one MDMA tablet.
- 34.7 grams of cannabis.
- 2.5 grams of methamphetamine.
- 43.5 grams of tobacco.
- One homemade taser.
- One large kitchen knife.
- One glass smoking implement (bong).
- 12 syringes.
Almost all of the contraband was allegedly discovered in visitor’s cars. The penalty for bringing banned items into correctional centres can include up to two years imprisonment.
Orana Mid-Western Police District Sergeant Adam Wood said as a result of the operation 13 people were denied entry and ten people were charged.
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Sgt Wood said as a result of the operation about $18,300 of drugs were seized and prevented from entering the jail.
“A strip of buprenorphine has the approximate value within correctional centres of about $150 each.”
Sgt Wood said police would continue to conduct future operations with CSNSW.
“Police and CSNSW will continue to work together to prevent anyone from bringing prohibited items into the premises,” he said.
Do you have a story to tell? Email: antonia.oflaherty@fairfaxmedia.com.au
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