ACT Policing is issuing a warning to anyone considering smuggling illicit substances into the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) following recent incidents.
The most recent of the three arrests, on Wednesday 20 September, took place after an admission process identified a man who had concealed a package internally. The admission process took place during his arrival at AMC after his arrest in relation to unrelated matters. The man surrendered two strips of Buprenorphine that were wrapped in glad wrap and had been concealed internally. He is expected to face charges in relation to this incident.
On Thursday 7 September, a woman was captured on CCTV passing a package to a detainee she was visiting. The detainee was approached by ACT Corrections staff who retrieved the package, and the woman was subsequently apprehended and charged with taking a prohibited item (USB memory stick) into a correctional facility, driving whilst suspended, and driving as an unaccompanied learner.
In a further incident on Thursday 24 August, a woman who was subject to unrelated bail conditions at the time, delivered a pair of shoes to a detainee who was known to her. ACT Corrections staff searched the shoes and located approximately 20 Buprenorphine strips underneath the sole of the shoes. The woman was subsequently apprehended and charged with taking a prohibited item into a correctional centre and supply drug of dependence.
Officer in Charge of Covert and Capability, Inspector Brett Booth said there is a full-time focus on targeting illicit drugs and contraband coming into the AMC, and penalties will be imposed on those who do so.
“If you attempt to bring illicit substances or contraband into the AMC, you can expect to see us and you will be arrested and charged accordingly,” Inspector Booth said.
Taking a prohibited item into a correctional centre contrary to the ACT Corrections Management Act 2007 carries a fine of up to $1000, imprisonment for one year, or both.
Supply drug of dependence contrary to the Drugs of Dependence Act 1989 carries a fine of up to $5000, imprisonment for five years, or both.
