Prison officers have brought down a drone flying illicit drugs, syringes and a mobile phone into a north Queensland prison.<\/p>\n
The incident at the Townsville Correctional Complex on May 17 is being investigated by Queensland Police and Queensland Corrective Services (QCS).<\/p>\n
A QCS spokesperson said the drone was carrying an estimated $1 million worth of contraband.<\/p>\n
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The drone was carrying contraband estimated to be worth $1 million. (Supplied: Queensland Corrective Services)<\/p>\n
Acting chief superintendent and prison general manager Silvi Baretta praised the officers who spotted the drone.<\/p>\n
“This drone and its contents was stopped before it could threaten the safety of officers and prisoners,” she said.<\/p>\n
“QCS has zero tolerance for contraband and anyone attempting to operate a drone over correctional facilities faces two years’ imprisonment.<\/p>\n
“Not only does contraband pose a substantial safety risk, it threatens our ability to deliver meaningful and targeted rehabilitation.”<\/p>\n
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The Townsville Correctional Complex has a history of contraband-carrying drones. (ABC News: Travis Mead)<\/p>\n
Police are yet to make an arrest or lay charges over the incident but urge anyone with information about the drone to come forward.<\/p>\n
Similar incident at prison<\/p>\n
The Townsville Correctional Complex is south of the city centre in the outer suburbs.<\/p>\n
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This drone was discovered on the grounds of the Townsville Correctional Centre in 2022. (Supplied: Queensland Police Service)<\/p>\n
A similar incident was reported at the same complex in 2022.<\/p>\n