Prison staff seize guns and axes

Knives, guns, axes, clubs and num-chukkas have been confiscated from people trying to smuggle them to inmates at Christchurch prison.

Staff found the weapons during visitor searches at Christchurch Men's, Christchurch Women's and Rolleston prisons from the start of 2003 until mid-2005.

The number of weapons found was higher than in any other region except Auckland, which has a bigger prison population, The Press newspaper reported today.

The information was provided by Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor in response to a written request.

National Party law and order spokesman Simon Power said he was shocked by the information.

"You could argue it's good that so much is being intercepted, but what should really worry the public is how much is getting through?" Mr Power said.

He said he was concerned the number of foiled smuggling attempts appeared to be increasing in Canterbury.

"Already after the first six months of 2005, the amount of drug contraband seized is well above the end total for 2004.

"The crucial question Corrections has to answer is that the department is coping with increased attempts to smuggle drugs and weapons."

Public Prisons Service general manager Phil McCarthy said the significant increase in the amount of contraband confiscated at prison visitor checkpoints was "clear evidence" that search methods were improving.

"Corrections has a strong focus on preventing prisoner access to contraband through rigorous searching methods at the point of entry to, and within, prisons," he said.

- NZPA