Woman tries to smuggle $60,000 worth of contraband into Christchurch prison

The find included synthetic cannabis, tobacco and cigarette papers, methamphetamine, cannabis, four cellphones and SIM and SD cards. Photo / SNPA

A $60,000 stash of drugs, tobacco, and cellphones that police say was destined to be smuggled into a Christchurch prison has been intercepted by authorities.

The find, which included synthetic cannabis, tobacco and cigarette papers, methamphetamine, cannabis, four cellphones and SIM and SD cards was intercepted at the perimeter of Christchurch Mens Prison's after a joint operation by Canterbury Police and the Department of Corrections.

It resulted in police carrying out two search warrants today.

A 22-year-old woman is facing charges including attempting to supply a Class A drug, possession of a Class A drug and possession for supply of a Class C drug. She is due to appear at Christchurch District Court this afternoon.

Under the Corrections Act bringing contraband into a prison carries a fine of $5000 and potential jail time of up to three months.

A criminal conviction for possession for supply of a class A drug carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

"There is a small percentage of prisoners who are behind contraband smuggling," said prison director John Roper.

"To get contraband through the perimeter these prisoners engage in standovers, threats and violence toward others.

"Often family and friends are roped in to breaking the law and don't realise the seriousness or consequences of their actions."