Two arrests at prison vehicle checkpoints

30 July 2002 For immediate release

Two arrests at prison vehicle checkpoints

Drugs were found and two people were arrested as a result of vehicle checkpoints held at prisons in the Wellington region over the weekend, the Department of Corrections said today.

Tony Coyle, national crime prevention co-ordinator, says Corrections officers and a Corrections narcotics drug dog team searched vehicles and visitors.

“Cannabis oil and leaf was recovered during the search, as was drug paraphernalia and ingredients for methamphetamine production,” says Mr Coyle.

“These two arrests demonstrate that visitors bringing drugs and contraband onto prison land will get caught and have to face the consequences.

“People need to realise that by bringing drugs and contraband onto prison property they are likely to be in breach of the law, regardless of whether or not it is intended for inmates.”

Vehicle checkpoints are an important part of the Department’s national drug reduction strategy.

“Drugs and contraband are a disruptive influence in prisons and we are committed to stamping them out,” says Mr Coyle.

“Other initiatives to reduce drugs and contraband include regular searching of cells, inmates and prison buildings, as well as drug and alcohol treatment programmes and random drug testing of inmates.”

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