Department of Correctional Services (DCS) officials at the Leeuwkop Maximum Correctional Centre in Gauteng have intercepted contraband concealed inside a radio before it could be smuggled into the prison.
The interception was made during a routine security screening at the facility’s access control gate on Sunday.
“The vigilance and professionalism of officials at Leeuwkop Maximum Correctional Centre…proved instrumental in protecting the integrity of the correctional system when an attempt to smuggle drugs into the facility was successfully thwarted.
“The discovery was made during thorough searches conducted on visitors and all items presented for entry into the facility. Upon inspection, officials uncovered 140 Mandrax tablets, 32 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 216 grams of cannabis hidden inside the radio.
“The swift detection of the contraband prevented the illicit substances from entering the correctional environment and reaching offenders, thereby safeguarding the security, order and rehabilitation programmes within the facility,” the department stated.
Four people allegedly involved in the incident were detained and handed over to police together with the confiscated drugs.
“The incident serves as a reminder of the persistent attempts by criminal elements to undermine the correctional system through the smuggling of prohibited items. It also highlights the critical role played by correctional officials, whose alertness and commitment to security continue to prevent contraband from entering correctional facilities.
“The [DCS] remains resolute in its efforts to combat the smuggling of contraband and to maintain safe, secure and rehabilitation-focused correctional centres,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
