Seven people were arrested and prohibited drugs and other items seized during an operation targeting visitors attempting to introduce contraband into a Goulburn prison, NSW Police say.
Early today, police from The Hume Local Area Command and Corrective Services personnel executed an operation at the Correctional Centre in Goulburn.
The operation – which also utilised specialist police officers and Corrective Services drug-detection dogs – targeted those attempting to introduce drugs and other contraband into the prison.
23 person searches and 36 vehicle searches were undertaken by officers who allegedly located illicit drugs and contraband on seven people. 15 people were also refused entry to the prison for consorting and for allegedly having positive indications to drugs.
Items seized included tobacco, cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, and several prescribed restricted substances. All items were secured for forensic examination.
Several Court Attendance Notices will be issued in relation to today’s operation.
The Hume Local Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis, said further combined operations would be undertaken.
"We have a strong working relationship with officers and staff at the Goulburn Correctional Centre and will continue to work closely with them to identify and arrest anyone involved in the attempted introduction of contraband into the prison," A/Supt Koutsoufis said.
CSNSW Director of Custodial Corrections (South Region) Ian Farquhar said today’s operation shows visitors will face criminal charges by trying to smuggle banned items into correctional centres.
"Any contraband that enters the prison environment presents a major risk to the health, safety and security of staff and inmates," Mr Farquhar said.
"Visitors caught bringing banned items, including illegal and prescription drugs, to correctional centres face penalties of up to two years' imprisonment.
"They could also face additional drug-related criminal charges and another penalty is a ban on visits of up to two years.
"Visitors can be guaranteed specialist search teams are a regular presence at Goulburn and other correctional centres.
"We’ll continue to show absolutely no tolerance for contraband."
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers.
