Published Sunday, 17 December, 2006 at 12:00 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
DRUGS, PHONE SEIZED IN CRACKDOWN ON JAIL VISITORS
Prison visitors have been warned not to be tempted trying to smuggle in a little extra Christmas cheer during the holidays.
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence has put prison visitors on notice that they face increased security checks around the state in the lead up to Christmas.
Ms Spence has issued the warning while releasing the results from the first such operation, which was held at the Woodford Correctional Centre last weekend.
“Five people were charged with a number of offences after marijuana, water pipes and a mobile phone were seized during the contraband crackdown last weekend at Woodford,” Ms Spence said.
“Detectives from the Corrective Services Investigation Unit and prison staff conducted the searches using a passive alert drug detection dog and an electronic scanner which is capable of detecting miniscule particles of drugs.
“Prison authorities are stepping up searches and surveillance of prisoners and visitors over the festive season, and will be targeting illegal activity such as drug and contraband smuggling, and the making of fermented jail brews.
“Historically it is this time of the year when prisoners increase their attempts to make home brews.”
Ms Spence said a 15 litre jail brew had been found at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre’s farm complex in North Queensland last Thursday.
She said the brew container was covered by a hessian bag and was found on the farm’s compound near an accommodation unit.
“Visitors should be warned that if they are caught trying to smuggle items into a Queensland prison, they face a two year stint in jail themselves,” Ms Spence said.
“All of our jails have state-of-the-art electronic security systems to maintain perimeter security as well as devices to detect the presence of drugs.
“Visitors need to understand that they do not have to be carrying drugs to be detected. The scanners and the dogs can pick up miniscule particles or even smoke residue.
“The scanners can even tell prison authorities which drug is detected.”
Ms Spence said if visitors were on medication, they should carry the prescription or a doctor’s note to verify their medical need for the drugs.
Meanwhile, prison church services are being scheduled over the Christmas period, with additional services to be held on Christmas Day.
“Christmas can be a tough time for many families – but especially for offenders separated from their families,” Ms Spence said.
“In recent weeks, many of Queensland’s correctional centres have been holding family days to help prisoners retain and rebuild contact with their family and to encourage family support for prisoners ahead of Christmas.”
Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence has put prison visitors on notice that they face increased security checks around the state in the lead up to Christmas.
Ms Spence has issued the warning while releasing the results from the first such operation, which was held at the Woodford Correctional Centre last weekend.
“Five people were charged with a number of offences after marijuana, water pipes and a mobile phone were seized during the contraband crackdown last weekend at Woodford,” Ms Spence said.
“Detectives from the Corrective Services Investigation Unit and prison staff conducted the searches using a passive alert drug detection dog and an electronic scanner which is capable of detecting miniscule particles of drugs.
“Prison authorities are stepping up searches and surveillance of prisoners and visitors over the festive season, and will be targeting illegal activity such as drug and contraband smuggling, and the making of fermented jail brews.
“Historically it is this time of the year when prisoners increase their attempts to make home brews.”
Ms Spence said a 15 litre jail brew had been found at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre’s farm complex in North Queensland last Thursday.
She said the brew container was covered by a hessian bag and was found on the farm’s compound near an accommodation unit.
“Visitors should be warned that if they are caught trying to smuggle items into a Queensland prison, they face a two year stint in jail themselves,” Ms Spence said.
“All of our jails have state-of-the-art electronic security systems to maintain perimeter security as well as devices to detect the presence of drugs.
“Visitors need to understand that they do not have to be carrying drugs to be detected. The scanners and the dogs can pick up miniscule particles or even smoke residue.
“The scanners can even tell prison authorities which drug is detected.”
Ms Spence said if visitors were on medication, they should carry the prescription or a doctor’s note to verify their medical need for the drugs.
Meanwhile, prison church services are being scheduled over the Christmas period, with additional services to be held on Christmas Day.
“Christmas can be a tough time for many families – but especially for offenders separated from their families,” Ms Spence said.
“In recent weeks, many of Queensland’s correctional centres have been holding family days to help prisoners retain and rebuild contact with their family and to encourage family support for prisoners ahead of Christmas.”
Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287