QCS Intel Officers intercept $120,000 in illicit drugs

• QCS Intel Officers identify attempt to smuggle contraband during prisoner visit
• More than 100 Suboxone strips seized by officers
• One person arrested by QPS on drug charges

Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Intelligence Officers have thwarted attempts to smuggle $120,000 worth of drugs into Townsville Men’s Correctional Centre.

Townsville Correctional Complex Dog Squad Officers and Passive Alert Drug Detection (PADD) dog Jock intercepted and searched a visitor after intel analysts identified they could allegedly be carrying more than 100 Suboxone strips, with an estimated prison value of approximately $120,000.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) subsequently arrested the woman who has been charged with one count of supply dangerous drugs and one count of possess dangerous drugs within a correctional facility.

Both offences carry the possibility of a prison sentence if found guilty.

Acting General Manager, Townsville Correctional Complex Chief Superintendent Silvi Baretta said the intercept was a clear example of QCS’ commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to the introduction of drugs.

“Our officers work diligently and conduct thorough searches to identify and intercept prohibited items, maintaining the safety and security of our facility,” Ch Supt Baretta said.

“The introduction of contraband, particularly dangerous drugs, poses a significant risk to the safety and security of our centre, and our Intelligence Officers work closely with their colleagues and Queensland Police Service to ensure anyone who attempts to bring in contraband will be caught.

“By working together, we continue to protect officers, visitors, prisoners and the broader community from the dangers that contraband presents.”

There are additional penalties for prisoners who attempt to bring contraband into correctional centres, including impact on parole applications.

Further information:

• For more information and to find out how to join Queensland Corrective Services, head to: Careers | Queensland Corrective Services (corrections.qld.gov.au).
• Eligible candidates who relocate from interstate or South East Queensland to Capricornia, Townsville or Lotus Glen Correctional Centres may be eligible for a relocation assistance package up to the value of $7,000.

ENDS

 

Audio grabs below from Townsville Correctional Complex Dog Squad Supervisor, Luke Stevens:

Queensland Corrective Service’s zero-tolerance approach to contraband:

 

Consequences for illicit substances:

 

Intelligence officers and dog squad working together:

 

About PADD Dog Jock: