THE DEPARTMENT of Correctional Services (DCS) has urged members of the public to stop smuggling drugs into correctional facilities.
This comes after a female visitor was arrested on Sunday for attempting to smuggle 200 drug capsules hidden in her underwear at the Durban Correctional Centre.
Department of Correctional Services spokesman, Singabakho Nxumalo, said it was the second incident in a space of two weeks at the same facility.
He said such perpetual behavior from the public must be condemned.
“Correctional Services has been applying different methods in its drive to prevent illegal imports entering into correctional centres.
“This is to counter and be ahead of traffickers who disguise as visitors, employing creative tactics in their trade,” he said.
Nxumalo said another smuggling incident at St. Albans Correctional Centre on the same Sunday was halted by DCS officials.
“It followed an arrest of two males caught with seven balls of dagga, one cell phone, a knife and two cell phone chargers,” he said.
He said DCS will continue to place special emphasis on security measures in correctional centres.
“The public is urged to play their part by not helping offenders perpetuate further crimes through smuggling,” he said.
He said it is a criminal offence to smuggle drugs and other illegal imports, like cell phones and money.
“Working with other law enforcement partners, DCS will ensure that tough action is taken against those found guilty of supplying inmates with smuggled goods,” he said.
