What Is Contraband Drugs?

Common Methods

Smuggling contraband drugs into NSW prisons involves various techniques, some of which are highly sophisticated.

Visitation

Family members or friends may attempt to pass drugs during visitation hours, often through methods such as body concealment or hidden compartments within personal belongings.

Staff Complicity

Unfortunately, some corrupt staff members may be involved in smuggling drugs, either directly or by turning a blind eye to the activities of others.

Mail and Deliveries

Drugs can be concealed within letters, packages, or even within the actual structure of items being sent to inmates.

Drone Deliveries

In recent years, drones have been employed to drop contraband, including drugs, into prison yards.

Inmate Ingenuity

Inmates may resort to creative methods, such as hiding drugs within their bodies or modifying personal items to conceal substances.

There is a list of items that are strictly forbidden to be sent to prisoners. These include, but are not limited to;

• illegal drugs, both prescription and non-prescription medications, items associated with drug use such as syringes, any type of powder,
• offensive materials like pornography or racist content,
• tobacco products and items used for smoking like lighters, matches, and filters, chewing gum, scented items like incense, potpourri, candles, oils, or diffusers, movies, CDs, and DVDs with a rating higher than M, plastic bags or cling wrap, photographs (approval from the prison’s General Manager is required),
• disposable razors or razor blades, yeast or yeast extracts, any flammable, corrosive, or toxic substances, any electronic devices for communication, recording, or storage such as mobile phones, sim cards, cameras, memory cards, USB storage devices, and cash.
• Wearable tech devices for monitoring physical activity, firearms, instruments, liquor or any products containing alcohol, motorcycle clubs involved in illegal activities or other items associated with gangs (e.g. banners, emblems or apparel).
• Any object that the prison considers could potentially endanger the institution’s safety or the well-being of inmates, staff, or the community.