The warning comes after a man was seen lurking around the prison gate house at Wellington Correctional Centre, of which a search later uncovered two parcels with a stash of tobacco, ice and mobile phones.

Minister for Corrections David Elliott said there was nothing to be gained – and a lot to be lost – for community members who smuggle in contraband to correctional centres.

“The majority of family and friends who visit their loved ones in our correctional centres are good, law-abiding citizens, but unfortunately there are some people who think it’s worth taking the risk to smuggle in drugs and other items,” Mr Elliott said.

“My warning to you is: you will be caught and you will be banned from visiting - in some cases for up to two years. You might even be charged by police. So don’t do it. It’s not worth the risk.”