We were wondering why we were starting to get itchy skin in the last few days – turns out it has been a while since we had a story of some criminals dropping illicit stuff for their incarcerated friends from a drone.
Wel; no more itches now; because we got the big one, and it is from Queensland in Australia where prison guards arrested a man after a drone carrying more than $1 million worth of illicit and prescription drugs – as well as syringes and a glass pipe – was found inside a prison facility.
The drone mule was found at Townsville Correctional Centre in North Queensland in May, and local police will reportedly allege it was carrying methylamphetamine, GBL (a nervous system depressant), various prescription drugs, syringes, a glass pipe, and a mobile phone with a SIM card.
You know – typical prison contraband stuff.
Joint investigations conducted by officers from CSIU, Townsville CIB and Bundaberg CIB, with the assistance of Queensland Corrective Services, resulted in in the arrest and indictment of a 47-year-old man, who was charged with five counts of supplying dangerous drugs into a correctional facility, and one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, dealing with a prohibited item in a corrective services facility, supplying a medication and drone-related offences under the Corrective Services Act.
“These charges are a disruption to the supply of illicit drugs into Queensland’s correctional centres and reflect the value of regional partnerships and targeted intelligence-led investigations,” said Detective Acting Inspector Erica Gray from the Corrective Services Investigations Unit.
“Preventing drugs from entering correctional facilities is critical to the safety of staff, prisoners and the broader community. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify those involved and hold them accountable.”
The General Manager Townsville Correctional Complex, acting Chief Superintendent Silvi Baretta said the arrest was the outcome of the involved officers’ professionalism and teamwork.
“Queensland Corrective Services officers work collaboratively with the Queensland Police Service to identify and prevent contraband introduction, ensuring the safety and security of our correctional centres,” Acting Chief Superintendent Silvi Baretta said.
“This find was the result of our officers’ diligent adherence to security search practices and collaborative approach to ensuring community safety.
“We thank the Queensland Police Service for their work on investigating and laying charges in this matter, supporting the good order and safety of Townsville Correctional Complex.”