Four people have been charged after allegedly attempting to introduce contraband into a correctional facility in the state’s Hunter region.
Officers from the Corrective Services NSW’s Security Operations Group North were conducting a surveillance operation at a correctional facility at Cessnock at about 1pm on Saturday (25 July 2020), when they observed a man within the grounds.
The man attempted to flee before officers detained him and contacted Hunter Valley police.
During a search of the man, police located a ball with several items secreted inside, including prescription medication, cannabis and tobacco.
Officers from Hunter Valley PD arrested the man and took him to Cessnock Police Station.
He was charged with seven offences, including supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, bring prohibited drug/plant into place of detention, unlawfully bring anything into place of detention and enter inclosed land.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court yesterday (Sunday 26 July 2020), where he was formally bail refused to appear at the same court today (Monday 27 July 2020).
Following ongoing inquiries with the CSNSW Security Operations Group North, correctives officers intercepted a vehicle on Pinchen Street, Nulkaba, at about 9.30am yesterday (Sunday 26 July 2020), where they spoke with the driver – a 28-year-old woman – and two male passengers – aged 22 and 19.
CSNSW officers detained all three persons and conducted a search of the vehicle, where they allegedly located a large quantity of prescription medication, mobile phones, cannabis, cash and a drone.
Officers contacted Hunter Valley police who arrived a short time later.
All three were arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
Police will allege in court that the two men were intending to use the drone to deliver contraband into the correctional facility.
The 28-year-old Bankstown woman was charged with drive motor vehicle while license suspended and a breach of bail offence. She was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 27 July 2020).
The 19-year-old Bonnyrigg man was charged with supply prohibited drug less than commercial quantity and possess prohibited drug. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 26 August 2020.
The 22-year-old North Parramatta man was charged with supply prohibited drug less than commercial quantity. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 26 August 2020.
Hunter Valley PD Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer, said local police will continue to work closely with our Correctives NSW counterparts to target crime connected with correctional facilities.
“Hunter Valley police target drug crime in our local region, which also includes assisting Correctives NSW to target and monitor illegal activity.
“Illicit drugs can cause detrimental harm inside facilities and in our communities, and all agencies will continue to work together to reduce the supply of the illegal drug trade,” Det Insp Zimmer said.
Investigations are continuing.
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