Postage stamps conceal cannabis leaf

INVERCARGILL: Cannabis has been found under the postage stamps of incoming prisoner mail at Invercargill Prison.

A staff search of the incoming mail found the drugs this week after two letters were addressed to the same prisoner, making staff suspicious.

Prison director Daryl Tamati said the letters were passed on for further investigation, and concealed underneath the postage stamp on each was a small amount of cannabis leaf.

‘‘Drugs can create a more dangerous working environ ment for our staff, and prevent prisoners from engaging in rehabilitation, education and employment opportunities,’’ Mr Tamati said.

If the sender is identified, they can face criminal prosecution and be banned from visiting the prison for up to 12 months.

The drug find comes the week after a detector dog team at Manawatu Prison found an incoming package with chess pieces packed with cannabis leaf and oil.

‘‘We know that prisoners will put a huge amount of pressure on their families, friends and associates to introduce contraband for them,’’ Mr Tamati said.

New Zealand’s prisons use several methods to keep drugs, weapons and cellphones away from inmates, including 24 detector dog teams, Xray technology and telephone monitoring of prisoners’ calls. — NZN