General News
7 April, 2022
Drug charges for Mareeba prisoners
A NETWORK of prisoners serving sentences at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre have allegedly been sourcing and smuggling in dangerous drugs to be sold to other inmates at the facility.
Established in March 2021, an extensive investigation called Operation Tango Artesian has resulted in detectives charging 13 people in relation to the trafficking of dangerous and prescription drugs including Buprenorphine (Suboxone) at the prison.
Investigators will allege a network of prisoners at Lotus Glen Correctional were assisted by visitors to source and smuggle in the drugs.
Among those charged are six prisoners, with 26 offences.
During the investigation, quantities of steroids and cannabis and large quantities of suboxone strips were located and seized with a street value totalling over $337,000.
Lotus Glen general manager Chief Superintendent Gabby Payne said the outcome of the joint operation between Queensland Corrective Services and the Queensland Police Service was a significant achievement for prison safety.
“Contraband in our prisons puts the lives of prison officers, prisoners and visitors at serious risk and Queensland Corrective Services has a zero-tolerance approach,” Ch Supt Payne said.
“Our intelligence team identified the risk of illicit substances being introduced into the correctional centre and worked with police to disrupt this criminal activity and prevent dangerous contraband from entering and being circulated.
“This is another outstanding example of our officers gathering intelligence and working closely with police to identify and charge those who would compromise the safety and security of our correctional centres by introducing illicit substances.”
