Borallon prison carpark operation nets drugs and weapons

Drugs and weapons were seized from people intending to visit prisoners at Borallon Training and Correctional Centre (BTCC) in a joint weekend operation by Queensland Corrective Services and Queensland Police Service.

Over the weekend of August 10 and 11, eight QCS officers accompanied by Passive Alert Drug Detection (PADD) dogs and officers from Marburg Police station supported by 15 officers from specialist units took part in the carpark operation, conducting roadside breath and drug tests and searches of cars, bags and people.

As a result, three people were arrested for driving with an illicit substance in their system. Police also found restricted weapons and drugs during the vehicle searches.

During the operation, police issued numerous tickets and arrested four people on seven charges.
A 28-year-old woman was issued a notice to appear at court for disqualified driving and possessing a restricted weapon. The woman’s vehicle was also impounded and an application will be made to forfeit the vehicle.

A 35-year-old man was issued a notice to appear at court in relation to driving with a prescribed drug in his system and possessing a restricted weapon;

A 31-year-old man was issued with a notice to appear at court for driving with a prescribed drug in his system and possessing dangerous drugs and a drug smoking utensil.

A 35-year-old woman was issued with a notice to appear at court for driving with a prescribed drug in her system.
Several people had their visits to prisoners cancelled or limited to non-contact. Two visitors will have their visit status reviewed.

BTCC General Manager Peter Henderson said Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) had a zero tolerance approach to contraband in prisons.

“No matter the reason, if people attempt to introduce contraband into QCS properties or facilities, there will be consequences,” Mr Henderson said.

“The introduction of contraband, particularly drugs, is a significant risk to the safety and security of our officers, prisoners and visitors, and our officers work diligently to thwart attempts to smuggle contraband into our centres.

“I commend our intelligence officers on their ongoing efforts, in conjunction with Queensland Police, to ensure the safety of our officers working in the centre.

“This is just one example of the work they do every day to keep our community safe, and ensure their colleagues on the front line remain safe.

“It is not worth the risk trying to smuggle contraband into our centre – you risk ending up in prison yourself,” Mr Henderson said.

Taking or attempting to take a prohibited item into a corrective services facility is an offence with a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment.

In addition, introducing dangerous drugs into correctional centres is classified as “aggravated supply” under the Drugs Misuse Act 1986, with a penalty of up to 25 years’ imprisonment.