Inmates at the Wellington jail are on notice after the launch of the largest contraband operation to hit the NSW prison system.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A raid of the correctional centre will target illegal mobile phones, drugs and weapons.
Officers attached to Operation Purge are set to search cells and common areas at all public and private prisons in NSW in the next 11 weeks.
Minister for Corrections David Elliott launched the operation on Wednesday at Long Bay Correctional Centre.
He warned prisoners smuggling or possessing contraband they would be caught and punished.
“I have had a gutful of inmates using mobile phones, drugs and weapons being smuggled inside prisons,” Mr Elliott said.
“We know that most contraband is introduced by visitors and handed over during visits.
“This is completely unacceptable.”
Visitors breaking the law are also on the radar of the operation.
“Our corrections officers are already having an impact on detecting and removing contraband from the prison system – this operation will take it to the next level,” Mr Elliott said.
“The message is clear: if you risk the safety of staff, inmates and visitors by smuggling or possessing contraband, you will be caught and punished.”
As part of the crackdown, 90 security operations group officers, and drug and mobile phone detection dogs will execute the raids.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Wilson will direct the operation from a command centre in Silverwater.
Assistant Commissioner Wilson said the operation follows other anti-contraband initiatives, such as the BOSS chair in Goulburn, mobile phone jamming technology at Lithgow, and regular visitor and inmate searches.
“Contraband poses a significant threat to the safe and secure operation of correctional centres around the world,” Mr Wilson said.
“Our tireless campaign to eradicate contraband from the NSW prison system will continue, as we develop new technologies and means of detection.”
Possession of contraband results in prosecution, segregation and/or the withdrawal of privileges, such as television, use of “buy-ups” and contact visits for up to 56 days.
The raid at Long Bay Correctional Centre netted tobacco, drugs, two prison-made weapons (shivs), and tablets.
