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A “significant amount” of contraband was found attached to a delivery truck that entered the prison Thursday. (File photo)
Drugs, cell phones and tobacco have been found hidden in a delivery truck entering one of the largest prisons in the country.
The discovery of the “significant amount” of contraband at Rimutaka Prison, north of Wellington, comes at a time when a major police investigation is investigating suspected corruption of prison staff.
The prison director, Viv Whelan, praised the work of the “highly vigilant” staff who “intercepted” illicit products: 1.5 grams of methamphetamine, 30 LSD pills, more than 50 grams of cannabis, 200 grams of tobacco and 10 cell phones, Thursday morning.
“The items were located during the search of a delivery vehicle entering the prison,” he said in a statement.
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They are believed to have been hidden in various packages attached to the truck.
Police is on the case. It is unclear if any arrests have been made.
“Our staff does an outstanding job ensuring contraband is kept out of our prisons, and Thursday’s find is another example of their commitment to keeping our sites safe,” said Whelan.
Last week Stuff revealed that a closely guarded police investigation was looking into allegations that Rimutaka prison staff smuggled contraband, including drugs, into prisoners, laundered money through their bank accounts and falsified official documents.
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Much of the alleged illicit activity was thought to be by gang members, but there may also be links to organized crime groups abroad.
Apparently, the personnel involved received money as payment.
KITCHEN / ROBERT THINGS
A closely watched police investigation is investigating suspected corruption of the prison staff. (File photo)
The police investigation, called Operation Porcia, has lasted for several months and involves members of the National Group Against Organized Crime, which specializes in covert operations.
Dozens of staff at Rimutaka Prison have been interviewed by detectives in recent weeks.
Last Thursday, Detective Inspector Stuart Mills said a previous police investigation prompted the ongoing investigation.
No one had been charged “at this stage,” Mills said.
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis previously said he was aware of the investigation, which concerned “alleged crimes that began a few years ago.”
“There is absolutely no tolerance for conduct that undermines the integrity of the prison system.”
Rimutaka Prison in Upper Hutt houses from a minimum of 1,000 to high-security inmates.
Whelan’s statement said that some inmates did everything “extreme and elaborate” to smuggle into the prison.
They concealed it in their bodies, threw it over a perimeter fence, or pressured friends, family and associates to smuggle it in for them.
“We place significant emphasis on preventing and detecting the introduction of contraband into prisons, and we constantly work to stay one step ahead of the new methods used to smuggle into our prisons.”
