Mt Eden prison staff intercept drugs packages

Staff at Mt Eden Prison picked up two packages of the drug P worth about $4000, and another containing cannabis, in a closed exercise yard yesterday.

The drug find appeared to be linked to two prisoners discovered two weeks ago tampering with the edge of metal covering the yard, Assistant Regional Manager Grace Smit said.

The prisoners were trying to make a small gap when they were challenged by staff.

The yards were closed for repairs, and the area was not accessible to prisoners.

Staff found the packages while doing a routine search for contraband, Ms Smit said.

The incident had been reported to police.

Drug use in prisons has fallen to a record low, partly as a result of searches and improved prison security, Department of Corrections figures released in April showed.

- NZPA