Man charged following attempted drone drop of illicit drugs into prison
Detectives from the Corrective Services Investigation Unit (CSIU) have charged a man following investigations into a drone located inside Townsville Correctional Centre, carrying a package containing over $1 million of illicit drugs and utensils.
On 17 May, Queensland Corrective Services Custodial Correctional Officers located the drone, which had a package attached that allegedly contained amounts of methylamphetamine and GBL, a large quantity of a variety of prescription drugs, syringes, a glass pipe, a mobile phone and SIM card.
Joint investigations conducted by officers from CSIU, Townsville CIB and Bundaberg CIB with the assistance of Queensland Corrective Services resulted in a 47-year-old man being charged with five counts of supplying dangerous drugs into a correctional facility, and one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, dealing with a prohibited item in a corrective services facility, supplying a medication and drone-related offences under the Corrective Services Act.
He is expected to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on 25 August.
Detective Acting Inspector Erica Gray of the Corrective Services Investigations Unit said the charges were the result of a coordinated investigation involving detectives and intelligence officers.
"These charges are a disruption to the supply of illicit drugs into Queensland's correctional centres and reflect the value of regional partnerships and targeted intelligence-led investigations," Detective Acting Inspector Gray said.
"Preventing drugs from entering correctional facilities is critical to the safety of staff, prisoners and the broader community. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify those involved and hold them accountable."
General Manager Townsville Correctional Complex, acting Chief Superintendent Silvi Baretta said the outcome is driven by officers' professionalism and collaboration alongside QPS.
"Queensland Corrective Services officers work collaboratively with the Queensland Police Service to identify and prevent contraband introduction, ensuring the safety and security of our correctional centres," Acting Chief Superintendent Silvi Baretta said.
"This find was the result of our officers' diligent adherence to security search practices and collaborative approach to ensuring community safety.
"We thank the Queensland Police Service for their work on investigating and laying charges in this matter, supporting the good order and safety of Townsville Correctional Complex."
