A ploy to bring marijuana into prison in the guise of a chess board and chess pieces has been foiled by a keen-nosed drug detector dog today.
Corrections staff and the dog searched incoming prisoner mail at Manawatu Prison this morning and found a package of chess pieces packed with cannabis leaves and oil.
Prison director Mark Cookson called the find "great work" by staff and the dog.
"The detector dog gave a clear indication on this particular item. When it was opened, it became clear that the chess pieces had been tampered with.
"In total the package contained 12.53 grams of cannabis leaf and 12.25 grams of oil."
Contraband in prison includes tobacco, alcohol, communication devices, drugs, drug paraphernalia, tattoo equipment, and weapons.
A range of methods are used to stop contraband entering prison, including X-rays, phone monitoring, and detector dogs.
Cookson said drugs could create a dangerous working environment for staff and stop prisoners engaging in rehabilitation, education and employment opportunities.
