Dogs sniff for prison contraband
The new task force targeting organised crime in the State's jails was out in force last week conducting searches on visitors to Hakea Prison.
About a dozen vehicles were subjected to extensive searches by the organised crime squad prison team, made up of officers from WA Police's organised crime squad and the Department of Corrective Services integrity unit.
Acting Det-Sen. Sgt Bernie McGuire said last Wednesday's overt operation sent a clear message to prison visitors that drugs and contraband would not be tolerated.
"It sent a good message, a lot of these people are regular visitors to this prison and other prisons and it was a good result all round," he said. "Visitors definitely got the message.
"We are now getting into people's sight, letting them know that we are around and that we will be targeting anyone bringing any drugs or contraband into any prison anywhere in the State."
One person was arrested and at least another seven people were later summoned for driving, vehicle and drug offences.
Specialist drug detection dogs from Corrective Services and WA Police searched every inch of the stopped cars and their drivers and passengers before they were let through for their scheduled visits.
Several powder or cannabis- like substances were seized and are currently undergoing chemical analysis at the ChemCentre in Bentley.
Further charges are expected to be laid.
Acting Det-Sen. Sgt McGuire said there was a strong community expectation that prisoners should not have access to drugs and the newly formed squad was working hard to ensure contraband was not making its way into prisons.
"It is good for us to stop drugs and other contraband from getting inside," he said.
"Once it is inside, it affects the good order of the prison."
The squad was formed in August after a 12-month police investigation into organised crime and corruption in WA's prison system.
