Three people arrested after trying to shoot drugs into Port Augusta prison

What would Robin Hood have thought? A bungling trio has been arrested after medieval efforts to deliver drugs to an SA prison with a bow and arrow spectacularly missed the target.

Three people have been arrested after allegedly attempting to shoot drugs into a correctional facility with a bow and arrow.

About 5.30pm on Monday police were called to Port Augusta jail after reports a grey Mazda sedan with three occupants was travelling behind the prison and behaving suspiciously.

Prison staff alerted police to the incident as one man left the car with a bow and arrow and allegedly tried to shoot a package into the prison.

The man attempted to run from the scene but the 32-year-old Ridleyton man was arrested without incident a short distance away.

The sedan took off from the area, however it was found on Racecourse Road and a 35-year-old West Croydon man and a 31-year-old Findon woman were arrested.

Exterior of refurbishment of Port Augusta Prison in Stirling North, SA. Picture supplied

All three were charged with introducing contraband into a correctional facility. They were all refused police bail and will appear in the Port Augusta Magistrates Court later on Tuesday.

The package has been seized and will be analysed by Forensic Services SA.

New legislation was introduced in June this year where any person found in possession of contraband or a controlled drug without a lawful excuse within a 100 metre “buffer zone” of any prison can face up to 10 years’ imprisonment if found guilty of that offence.

Department of Correctional Services senior adviser Mercedes Whibley said staff acted quickly.
"Correctional Services staff remain vigilant of all activities that occur in and around prison sites, and take action when they see suspicious behaviour,” she said.

"If you try to introduce contraband into a prison, you will be caught."

What would Robin Hood have thought? Picture: Thinkstock