QLD: Eight prisoners charged after drug bust

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-1998
QLD: Eight prisoners charged after drug bust

BRISBANE, Dec 31 AAP - Eight prisoners were charged with drug offences today after a prison
raid uncovered drugs, prescription medications and drug implements, Corrective Services
Minister Tom Barton announced.

Mr Barton said today's raid was one of more than 30 co-ordinated by the General Manager's
Drugs Task Force since it was established in July.

Green leafy material, a white powder substance, prescription medications and drug
implements were found today as prison officers and the dog squad swooped on the open custody
Wacol Work Outreach Camp on Brisbane's western fringe.

"This particular bust is of great significance because it has been traditionally difficult
for staff to detect drugs within low and open centres," the Minister said.

Mr Barton said the government was committed to stamping out drugs in prison, setting up the
General Manager's Task Force and other other drug and alcohol programs, including a trial
methadone program in prisons.

"The significant drop in positive drug tests among prisoners across the state suggests this
message is getting through," he said.

Opposition corrective services spokesman Allan Grice said the state government should
immediately consider doubling penalties for drug offences committed within the prison system.

"In addition to making sure anti-drug campaigns are properly funded within our prisons, the
state government must now seriously consider upping the penalties for those people who persist
in thumbing their nose at the law even once they have been incarcerated for their crimes," he
said.

AAP bja/it

KEYWORD: BUST

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