Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Police, prisons crack down on contraband

Updated at 10:31 am on 13 October 2010

The manager of Hawke's Bay Prison says joint operations with police to deter visitors from smuggling contraband are proving a success.

George Massingham says the majority of inmates have a long history of substance abuse and often pressure family or friends to supply them with drugs and other prohibited items.

Mr Massingham says the prison management has several initiatives to reduce the chance of contraband being smuggled, including police checkpoints on roads leading to the prison.

The latest operation uncovered a variety of drugs, he says.

Police also charged several people with driving offences, impounded a number of vehicles and issued almost $5000 worth of vehicle infringement notices.

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