Corrective Services NSW officers have intercepted a haul of drugs, including cocaine with a prison value of $20,000, during a contraband blitz of visitors at correctional centres, including the Kempsey jail, at the weekend.
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Five visitors were issued Court Attendance Notices and several more refused entry following the operations, led by CSNSW's specialised Security Operations Group in conjunction with NSW Police, at the Mid North Coast, Shortland (Cessnock), Goulburn, Bathurst and Lithgow correctional centres.
Commissioner Peter Severin praised staff for their vigilance and commitment to keeping contraband out of the prison system.
"Our officers have done a fantastic job of detecting and preventing a significant amount of drugs from being introduced into prisons at the weekend - their efforts should be applauded," Mr Severin said.
"Some visitors will go to extraordinary lengths to smuggle contraband into our prisons so it's up to our officers to remain vigilant and use their skills to stop these items from reaching their intended targets."
A 22-year-old man was issued a Court Attendance Notice after he was allegedly found in possession of 12.7g of cocaine and 2.7g MDMA at Lithgow Correctional Centre. A 26-year-old man was issued a Court Attendance Notice after he was allegedly found in possession of buprenorphine strips, also at Lithgow.
Assistant Commissioner for Security and Intelligence Mark Wilson PSM said visitors should be aware that it is an offence to have banned items in their cars when attending the complex.
"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 unturned. Everything on CSNSW property - whether it be a handbag, pram or car - can be carefully inspected for contraband."
During the operations, officers assisted by contraband detection-dogs found items including:
- 12.7g cocaine
- 2.7g MDMA
- 2.7g methamphetamine
- 5.7g buprenorphine
- 90 x buprenorphine strips
- 1 x syringe
Visitors caught bringing banned items, including illegal drugs, to correctional centres face penalties of up to two years' imprisonment.
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