NSW police charge man after attempting to supply drugs inside a tennis ball at a correctional facility

A man will face court today after he allegedly attempted to throw prohibited drugs over the fence of a correctional facility in the Hunter.

Police will allege a 31-year-old man and another man were riding on an unregistered Yamaha motorcycle – believed to be stolen from a Dora Creek property in May – when they approached the outer wall of a correctional facility at Cessnock and attempted to throw an object over the wall about 2pm on Sunday (31 May 2020).

Officers from Corrective Services NSW’s Security Operations Group were conducting targeted surveillance at the complex when they sighted the two men.

When they approached the pair, they fled at speed on the motorcycle before colliding with a nearby tree. Neither rider was injured.

The CSNSW officers restrained the 31-year-old man while the other man fled into nearby bushland.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended a short time later and arrested the 31-year-old.

Police seized a tennis ball which he was holding at the time of his arrest, which they will allege contained small amounts of methylamphetamine, and other illicit substances. These items will be subject to further testing.

The man was taken to Maitland Hospital before being conveyed to Maitland Police Station.

He has since been charged with eight offences including:

  • Supply prohibited drug (x2)
  • Bring etc prohibited drug/plant into place of detention
  • Possess prohibited drug
  • Goods in custody
  • Enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse
  • Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner
  • Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period

He was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court on Monday (1 June 2020), where he was formally refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Wednesday 10 June 2020).

Inquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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