CELL PHONE PROBE

Police are investigating whether guards at Paparua Prison were involved in
giving inmates a cellphone.

The Christchurch Star has learned that police believe the cellphone was
hired out to inmates, who may have been using the phone to organise drug
deals from behind bars.

Police are remaining tightlipped over the inquiry. Said Detective Senior
Sergeant Tom Fitzgerald: "I won't be discussing anything about this at this
stage."

The cellphone was found recently and investigations have been carried out
since. The drug squad is involved.

Regional manager of South Island Prisons, Paul Monk, said no internal
prison service investigation was underway.