Twelve visitors arrested after police operation near Mobilong Prison

Police have swooped on visitors driving under the influence or carrying drugs near an SA prison over the weekend.

Twelve prison visitors have been arrested after a police operation at Murray Bridge allegedly found drugs and even an outstanding arrest warrant.

Police said four visitors were caught drug driving and in possession of methamphetamine and valium in a prison buffer zone.

Two visitors were allegedly caught driving without a license, while another visitor was driving disqualified.

One visitor was arrested after police discovered he had an outstanding warrant. Police did not confirmed the details of the outstanding warrant or the identity of the person arrested.

South Australian Police had been conducting an operation near Mobilong Prison in Murray Bridge to detect and prevent contraband items from making their way into the prison.

Officers from the Police Corrections Team assisted by Department for Correctional Services workers and SA Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Branch and Traffic Services Branch conducted the operation on Saturday.

Mobilong prison, on the outskirts of Murray Bridge.

Public Protection Branch Chief Inspector Cindy Healey said authorities regularly ran similar operations at SA prisons.

“Our message to these people is that you run a strong chance of being caught if you choose to take the risk,” Ms Healey said.

“This recent operation conducted at Mobilong Prison is indicative of our commitment to travel throughout the state to support DCS and quell the supply of drugs and other contraband into prisons.”

A total of 61 visitors were searched within the prison and prison buffer zone, during the operation.

Outside Murray Bridge at Mobilong Prison. Picture: DAVE CRONIN

According to the Department for Correctional Services, all government-owned land surrounding a Correctional Institution such as car parks is declared a ‘Prison Buffer Zone’.

Since June 3, 2021, anyone without a lawful excuse who possessed a controlled drug in a prison buffer zone faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Anyone without lawful excuse to be in possession of a prohibited item could face a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.

Police urge anyone with information about people planning to bring drugs or contraband into prison to anonymously advise Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Earlier this year, dozens of prisoners at Mobilong were allegedly subjected to sexual assaults by prison guards conducting illegal searches.