QCS Intel officers seize more than $250,000 in illegal drugs through mail system
- Attempted contraband introductions thwarted by QCS Intelligence Officers
- More than $250,000 of illegal drugs seized in one incident
- Corrective Services Investigation Unit, Queensland Police Service is now investigating
Attempts to introduce contraband into correctional facilities through fake privileged legal mail are being routinely thwarted by Queensland Corrective Services intelligence officers.
The diligence of officers has resulted in multiple intercepts of contraband in recent weeks, including one incident at Brisbane Correctional Centre turning up more than $250,000 worth of illegal drugs.
Intelligence Officers at Lockyer Valley and Lotus Glen correctional centres also recently prevented attempted introductions of illicit drugs.
When officers suspect mail marked as legal communication contains prohibited items, legislation allows them to open and search the mail in the prisoner’s presence.
Deputy Commissioner Custodial Operations Jon Peach said all mail was subject to scrutiny entering a correctional facility, and those attempting to use the system to introduce contraband will be caught.
“Queensland Corrective Services takes a zero-tolerance approach to contraband entering its correctional facilities, and any person or item coming into a facility will be searched,” DC Peach said.
“Our intelligence officers are highly trained and are authorised under the Corrective Services Act (2006) to open any correspondence which they suspect contains illegal items that risk the safety and security of our centres.
“I thank our officers for their professionalism and diligence in identifying suspicious mail, helping restore community safety.”
The Corrective Services Investigation Unit of Queensland Police Service is investigating the matters and anyone with information is being urged to come forward.
Intelligence Officers work collaboratively with custodial correctional officers, the QCS Dog Squad and the Queensland Police Service to identify and prevent contraband introduction.
Anyone with information about these incidents, or other attempted contraband introductions into correctional facilities, can contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, or by phoning 131 444.
Information about a crime can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000, or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
The public can see QCS Passive Alert Drug Detection dogs in action at this year’s Ekka, where they will perform regular demonstrations at the Government Pavillion and the dog ring.
