Nine male prisoners have been returned to high security facilities from the Palen Creek Correctional Centre low security farm after a random search and drug testing over the weekend.
A scheduled random search of the facility located a range of contraband, including a mobile phone and a quantity of prohibited substances.
Targeted urine testing was conducted on prisoners as a result of the find, with two testing positive for prohibited substances, with a further prisoner refusing to provide a sample. A further six prisoners were suspected of illicit drug use.
A further five prisoners will be returned to high security facilities today to allow a comprehensive assessment to be conducted on their suitability to remain in a low custody environment.
Further testing is being undertaken on all of the prisoners identified during the operation.
Queensland Corrective Services has a zero tolerance of drugs in prison. Our staff work hard to prevent contraband being introduced to our centres through the use of a range of screening techniques.
Random searches such as the one on the weekend occur at every centre, and intelligence-based searches and testing occur when there is information that contraband may have entered our centres.
Those seeking to introduce contraband to Queensland prisons face lengthy sentences, and fines of up to $25,000 apply to introducing dangerous drugs to correctional centres.
This matter is under investigation by the CSIU.
