Massive haul of contraband recovered from 32 jails across NSW over six months

EXCLUSIVE: A tomahawk was among a host contraband seized inside NSW jails this year, along with a “gun” made from rubber gloves and even a spade and map for a daring escape plot.

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A LETHAL tomahawk was among a treasure trove of contraband seized inside NSW jails during the first months of this year, along with porn, hard drugs, fake pee, a spade, a map for a daring escape plot and even a “gun” made from rubber gloves.

The massive haul was recovered by prison officers after being smuggled in to 32 jails across NSW between December and April, despite authorities desperately scrambling to cut the supply of dodgy items flowing into jails.

Data released under freedom of information laws reveals the tomahawk was among a series of dangerous weapons found behind bars.

Contraband paracetamol, considered contraband if it has been brought into the jail rather than administered by authorities, found during a raid at Silverwater Correctional Complex. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Contraband tobacco, found in a jail cell during the same raid.

A “glove gun” — a type of firearm made from a rubber glove — knives, a cosh, batons and ammunition were all seized by officers.

There was also a large amount of drugs including ice, heroin substitutes, cannabis, steroids, powder, tablets and tobacco.

Fake urine, designed to get an inmate through a drug or booze test, was also discovered.

Rancid “jail brew” booze — a putrid concoction made from old fermented fruit — was also found.

Prison authorities seized a digging implement and a map linked to an escape plot.

And, in a real throwback, a videotape was also seized as contraband­.

It’s unclear if it was a copy of the 1960s classic The Great Escape.

CCTV of parcels containing the phones being thrown over outer wire perimeter fence at Goulburn Correctional Centre in May. Picture: NSW Corrective Services

Mobile phones, DVD players, USB sticks and chargers were also among the Aladdin’s cave of illegal stuff prison officers recovered.

Inmates’ family and mates are blamed for smuggling contraband into jails, often stuffing items into orifices to avoid detection.

Other methods are also used and in recent weeks one nitwit was caught on CCTV lobbing 16 mobile phones wrapped in four parcels over a prison wall.

There’s also major concern about drones being used to drop items inside jails.

Seizures were made across the prison system, including a small number relating to drugs and electronic devices at Goulburn’s SuperMax, where the state’s maddest and baddest crooks are held.

A display of contraband from NSW jails in past years.

Opposition Leader Luke Foley said the presence of contraband in jails was evidence that Corrections Minister David Elliott had “dropped the ball” on the issue.

“The Berejiklian government needs to act now to stop these lines of communication between criminals inside and outside prison walls,” Mr Foley added.

But Mr Elliott hit back.

“This is proof that our technology and procedures are working because previously this contraband would have gone unnoticed to the detriment of rehabilitation and prison order,” he said.