WOMEN CAUGHT TAKING DRUGS INTO JAIL

Three women have been arrested for trying to smuggle drugs into
Christchurch Prison this week.

Another 11 people were barred from entering the prison for having a range
of drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons or ammunition in their vehicles.

The contraband was discovered during a three-day checkpoint at the prison
this week. Prison staff and a prison dog team searched 276 vehicles during
the operation.

Drugs seized included cannabis, pills, and methamphetamine, while the
weapons included knives and batons.

"We conduct regular searches of cells, inmates, visitors and prison
buildings," Corrections national crime prevention co-ordinator Tony Coyle said.

"Drug and alcohol treatment programmes are available to inmates who want to
address their drug abuse"

The latest arrests highlighted the excellant work being done to reduce
drugs in prison, Mr Coyle said.