Parklea jail officer Roni Taualupe allegedly tried to smuggle drugs in undies
A Corrective Services officer accused of smuggling illicit drugs and tobacco into Parklea jail has been named. Police allege he was caught with contraband in his underwear.
Blacktown
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A Corrective Services officer charged with being paid to smuggle illicit drugs and tobacco into a prison in Sydney’s north west has been named for the first time.
Roni Taualupe, 26, of Lalor Park, was hit with a string of charges in April after police allege he attempted to introduce contraband into Parklea jail on two occasions.
Mr Taualupe did not show for his mention at Blacktown Local Court today, advising the court he was unable to attend due to “health reasons.”
He was arrested at the jail on April 19 after police allege he was found with the drug ‘ice’, heroin, prescription medication and tobacco concealed in his underwear.
A subsequent search of his car allegedly uncovered illegal ammunition.
According to police documents, Mr Taualupe allegedly trafficked two packages into the jail on April 14 and 19 in return for payment from inmates’ families.
He faces several charges, including: two counts of an agent corruptly receiving benefit, misconduct in public office, unlawfully bringing anything into a place of detention, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and possessing ammunition with a licence.
Police say $700 was found during their investigation, alleged to be payment for the smuggled items.
He is yet to enter a plea to the charges.
Mr Taualupe will face Blacktown Local Court on August 3. His role is currently suspended.