Published Thursday, 22 March, 2007 at 06:42 PM

Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
YOUNG MUM CHARGED AFTER DRUG FIND IN SEQ PRISON
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence has again warned people against smuggling drugs into the state’s jails, following the arrest of a woman who attempted to smuggle drugs into Woodford Correctional Centre yesterday.
Ms Spence said an 18-year old woman will face court after correctional officers discovered 20 tablets hidden in her underclothes when she visited the prison.
“The young mother attempted to enter the high-security prison with her 12-month old daughter to visit a prisoner,” Ms Spence said.
“Upon entry she was detected carrying a quantity of tablets in her clothing, which tests have confirmed as illicit drugs.
“She has since been charged by Caboolture police with supply and possession of a dangerous drug.”
Ms Spence said the drug find followed the discovery last week of an attempt to smuggle 50 tablets into the same prison.
The tablets - 20 60mg morphine tablets and 35 8mg subutex tablets - have been estimated by the Corrective Services Intelligence Group to be worth $11,000 inside a correctional centre.
“These operations should serve as a reminder to everyone that if you attempt to smuggle drugs or other contraband into our prisons, you will be caught and run the risk of ending up behind bars yourself,” Ms Spence said.
“Last year regular and random contraband operations within Queensland jails led to 528 charges being laid against 415 people, including both prisoners and visitors.
“Queensland prisons have state-of-the-art electronic devices to detect the presence of drugs.
“Visitors should 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 visitors who are on medication should carry the prescription or a doctor’s note to verify their medical need for the drugs.
"This type of targeted operation will continue to happen anywhere, anytime as part of this government's strategy to crack down on drugs in Queensland prisons,” Ms Spence said.
“People might complain about the level of security on visitors, but our ongoing intelligence shows it is necessary and that there is good reason for prison visits to be monitored.
"We are serious about detecting contraband items and drugs as they enter prison, and we will continue to employ drug detection devices such as Ion Scanners and drug detection dogs to prevent drugs being smuggled in."
Ms Spence said the level of drug use in Queensland correctional facilities was continuing to fall, down from 17.9% of inmates in 1996-97, to 5.1% in 2004/05.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6218 / 0408 732 491
Ms Spence said an 18-year old woman will face court after correctional officers discovered 20 tablets hidden in her underclothes when she visited the prison.
“The young mother attempted to enter the high-security prison with her 12-month old daughter to visit a prisoner,” Ms Spence said.
“Upon entry she was detected carrying a quantity of tablets in her clothing, which tests have confirmed as illicit drugs.
“She has since been charged by Caboolture police with supply and possession of a dangerous drug.”
Ms Spence said the drug find followed the discovery last week of an attempt to smuggle 50 tablets into the same prison.
The tablets - 20 60mg morphine tablets and 35 8mg subutex tablets - have been estimated by the Corrective Services Intelligence Group to be worth $11,000 inside a correctional centre.
“These operations should serve as a reminder to everyone that if you attempt to smuggle drugs or other contraband into our prisons, you will be caught and run the risk of ending up behind bars yourself,” Ms Spence said.
“Last year regular and random contraband operations within Queensland jails led to 528 charges being laid against 415 people, including both prisoners and visitors.
“Queensland prisons have state-of-the-art electronic devices to detect the presence of drugs.
“Visitors should 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 visitors who are on medication should carry the prescription or a doctor’s note to verify their medical need for the drugs.
"This type of targeted operation will continue to happen anywhere, anytime as part of this government's strategy to crack down on drugs in Queensland prisons,” Ms Spence said.
“People might complain about the level of security on visitors, but our ongoing intelligence shows it is necessary and that there is good reason for prison visits to be monitored.
"We are serious about detecting contraband items and drugs as they enter prison, and we will continue to employ drug detection devices such as Ion Scanners and drug detection dogs to prevent drugs being smuggled in."
Ms Spence said the level of drug use in Queensland correctional facilities was continuing to fall, down from 17.9% of inmates in 1996-97, to 5.1% in 2004/05.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6218 / 0408 732 491