An intelligence-led operation at Maryborough Correctional Centre has successfully foiled an attempt to introduce a large quantity of contraband into the centre.
The intercept was revealed as the Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber MP visited the Maryborough facility last week to meet with officers and see firsthand the work being done to reduce crime and protect community safety.
Minister Gerber said she was making it a priority to visit correctional centres around the state during her first months in office.
“A strong and stable corrective service creates a strong and safe community, and I have made it a priority to understand the challenging and rewarding work corrections officers perform right across our State,” she said.
“I have met some incredible officers who are making a real difference and together we are committed to reducing reoffending and keeping Queenslanders safe.”
The contraband was discovered after Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Intelligence Officers identified the plan and worked with Tactical Response Officers and the QCS Dog Squad who performed a search of the cell, recovering a package containing more than 400 strips of Buprenorphine with a prison value of about $400,000.
Chief Superintendent John Owens, General Manager, Maryborough Correctional Centre praised the collaborative efforts of officers to prevent the illicit substance from spreading through the centre.
“This intercept is an example of our officers’ commitment to maintaining the safety and security of our centres, which includes a zero-tolerance approach to the introduction of drugs,” Chief Superintendent Owens said.
“Our highly skilled Intelligence Officers are the unseen eyes and ears of the centre, and they work closely with colleagues to ensure those who attempt to bring in contraband in will be caught.
“Correctional centres are controlled environments for a reason and introducing illicit substances and prohibited items endangers the safety of officers, visitors and prisoners.”
The matter is now being investigated by the Queensland Police Services’ Corrective Services Investigation Unit. Taking or attempting to take a prohibited item into a corrective services facility can result in up to two years’ imprisonment.
QCS puts a significant effort into preventing drugs from entering prisons, including through intelligence monitoring, technology and enhanced staff training.
