Queensland Corrective Services intelligence officers have stopped an alleged attempt to smuggle $120,000 worth of drugs into the Townsville Men’s Correctional Centre. Officers moved in after intel suggested a visitor could be carrying more than 100 Suboxone strips.
Dog Squad officers and Passive Alert Drug Detection dog Jock helped intercept the woman before she entered the centre. Police later arrested her, charging her with supplying dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs within a correctional facility. Those offences carry the possibility of prison time if proven in court.
Acting General Manager of the Townsville Correctional Complex, Chief Superintendent Silvi Baretta, said the operation shows how seriously QCS takes contraband risks. She said officers work tirelessly to keep drugs out of the centre, with intelligence teams and police working side‑by‑side to ensure anyone attempting to smuggle items in is caught.
She added that dangerous drugs pose a major safety risk to staff, visitors, prisoners and the wider community, and that strong partnerships are essential to keeping facilities secure.
QCS also reminded the public that prisoners caught attempting to bring in contraband face additional penalties, including impacts on parole applications.
