Mobilong Prison drug ring smashed

TENNIS balls and soft drink cans were used to smuggle drugs inside Mobilong Prison as part of an elaborate drug trafficking ring.

TENNIS balls and soft drink cans were used to smuggle drugs inside Mobilong Prison as part of an elaborate trafficking ring.

Police have arrested 17 people - including three prisoners - after a three-month investigation into the drug ring at Mobilong Prison, near Murray Bridge.

The illegal goods were smuggled into the prison by approved visitors or brought in by prisoners who were working outside the jail and collected the drugs from pre-arranged pick-up spots.

Mobile phones hidden inside video games consoles were given to prisoners by visitors and used to co-ordinate the drug trade.

But some drugs were secreted inside tennis balls or balloons and hit over the prison walls with a tennis racquet or shot into the prison grounds with an arrow.

Tattoo guns, homemade tools and even a Sony Playstation used to traffic drugs were also found.

"The investigation revealed that prisoners involved in this syndicate were using a range of methods to have contraband brought in to the prison environment," Police Corrections Section Senior Sergeant Darren Fielke said.

''Outside work gangs at the prison were used to collect the contraband that was delivered to pre-arranged locations outside prison.

"Shutting this syndicate has put a severe dent in drugs inside the prison.

"Some of these methods are sophisticated for the environment they are in (but) prisoners will continue to come up with methods to defeat the system."

Police seized 15 grams of amphetamines, and 12 grams of heroin as well as cannabis and prescription drugs such as morphine and Xanax.

Prison authorities have moved three men involved in the smuggling syndicate and a further eight suspected inmates to the higher security Yatala Prison.

The outside work gang program at the prison has been suspended.

The bust comes as four people appeared in Murray Bridge Magistrates Court yesterday charged with possessing or manufacturing the drug MDPV after raids in the town and surrounding areas this week.

A Murray Bridge man, 46, charged with manufacturing a controlled drug, was remanded in custody while a woman, 26, and two men, aged 41 and 37, all of Murray Bridge, were charged with trafficking a controlled drug and released on bail.

More than 50 capsules of the drug, six other illegal drug tablets and about 230g of white powder, also believed to be illicit drugs, and cannabis were seized.

"Following forensic examination, further charges may be laid," Acting Superintendent Wayne Overmeyer.

Police say MDPV, also known as miaow miaow, may have caused the death of a Murray Bridge man last December.