Prison finds heroin in tennis ball

An attempt has been made to get heroin into Christchurch Men's Prison via a tennis ball.

Security staff checking around the perimeter of the prison late on Monday night found the ball stuffed with drugs.

Acting Manager Trevor Saunders said two heroin capsules and 60 triazolam pills were found.

He said heroin is not common in prison due to its limited availability and its cost. He suspects a friend or family member of an inmate was asked to pack the tennis ball with drugs, reseal it and throw it into the prison.

Mr Saunders said it was unfortunate pressure was put on people to smuggle drugs into prison and security remainsed vigilant to keep drugs out.

Evidence from the drug find has been handed over to the police, who may investigate and lay criminal charges.

- NEWSTALK ZB