Woodford Correctional Centre multimillion dollar drug seizures

Queensland Corrective Services Deputy Commissioner, Custodial Operations has issued a stern warning to anyone considering attempting to smuggle drugs into Queensland correctional centres.

“Anyone who attempts to bring contraband into correctional centres will be caught,” Deputy Commissioner Gary McCahon said.

The warning comes after a joint operation with correctional centre intelligence and police thwarted plans by visitors to introduce significant quantities of drugs and other prohibited items into Woodford Correctional Centre on two separate occasions.

Five people have been charged with several offences in the past two months and are due to appear in court in coming weeks.

Deputy Commissioner McCahon said correctional centres were not an avenue for drug smuggling activities.

“We’ve got a zero-tolerance approach to the introduction of drugs into correctional centres, and we can’t be any clearer on that,” he said.

“Anyone who tries to bring contraband into correctional centres will be caught.

“These intercepts are an example of our officers’ commitment and capability to protect the safety of staff working on the frontline, the community, and prisoners.

“Our officers who work in correctional centre intelligence do a tremendous amount of work to ensure the safety and security of our facilities.”

The first of the contraband seizures occurred on January 24 where correctional centre intelligence officers and Queensland Police Service Corrective Services Investigation Unit (CSIU) seized more than 1100 subutex strips (Buprenorphine) valued at over $1million.

Methylamphetamine and other drugs, a stolen vehicle and cash were also seized during the search.

A man and two women have been charged with a range of offences including drug, dishonesty and property offences.

A 46-year-old woman is due to appear in court on 14 March and a 32-year-old woman will be sentenced on 27 March.

A 27-year-old-year-old male is due to appear in court on 22 April.

The second contraband capture happened on February 15, when correctional officers and CSIU intercepted a female visitor who was in possession of more than 370 subutex strips.

The woman was charged by Woodford Police with Supplying Dangerous Drugs with Circumstance of Aggravation within a Correctional Facility. She is due to appear in court on 11 April 2024.

A 36-year-old male prisoner was also charged by Woodford Police and is due to appear in court on 18 April 2024 following further investigations.

Deputy Commissioner McCahon thanked everyone involved in preventing these significant quantities of drugs from entering the correctional centre.