Detectives from the Queensland Police Corrective Services Investigation Unit (CSIU) have charged a man after a drone was discovered inside Townsville Correctional Centre loaded with more than $1 million of illicit drugs.
On 17 May, correctional Officers located the drone, uncovering an attached package that allegedly contained amounts of methylamphetamine and GBL, a large quantity of a variety of prescription drugs, syringes, a glass pipe, a mobile phone and SIM card.
Joint investigations conducted by officers from CSIU, Townsville CIB and Bundaberg CIB, with the assistance of Queensland Corrective Services, resulted in a 47-year-old man being charged with five counts of supplying dangerous drugs into a correctional facility, and one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, dealing with a prohibited item in a corrective services facility, supplying a medication and drone-related offences under the Corrective Services Act.
He is expected to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on 25 August.
Detective Acting Inspector Erica Gray of the Corrective Services Investigations Unit said the charges were the result of a coordinated investigation involving detectives and intelligence officers.
“These charges are a disruption to the supply of illicit drugs into Queensland’s correctional centres and reflect the value of regional partnerships and targeted intelligence-led investigations,” Det A/Insp Gray said.
“Preventing drugs from entering correctional facilities is critical to the safety of staff, prisoners and the broader community. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify those involved and hold them accountable.”
General Manager Townsville Correctional Complex, Acting Chief Superintendent Silvi Baretta said the outcome is driven by officers’ professionalism and collaboration alongside QPS.
“Queensland Corrective Services officers work collaboratively with the Queensland Police Service to identify and prevent contraband introduction, ensuring the safety and security of our correctional centres,” A/Chief Supt Baretta said.
“This find was the result of our officers’ diligent adherence to security search practices and collaborative approach to ensuring community safety.
“We thank the Queensland Police Service for their work on investigating and laying charges in this matter, supporting the good order and safety of Townsville Correctional Complex.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
