NewsBite

Michael Moufferrige: Accused of smuggling contraband into Sydney prison

Michael Moufferrige has been charged with trying to smuggle contraband into a Sydney prison and supplying drugs including meth and heroin.

Michael Moufferrige has been charged for trying to smuggle contraband into a Sydney prison. Picture: Ian Paterson
Michael Moufferrige has been charged for trying to smuggle contraband into a Sydney prison. Picture: Ian Paterson

Michael Moufferrige has been charged with trying to smuggle contraband into a Sydney prison and supplying prohibited drugs including heroin and meth.

Detectives from Strike Force Bundawarrah arrested the 30-year-old on Tuesday afternoon — while he was an inmate at Cessnock prison.

He was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug, two counts of corruptly give/offer to give agent benefit and supply specified substance otherwise than by wholesale.

Michael Moufferrige has been charged with trying to smuggle contraband into a Sydney prison. (AAP image Brendon Esposito)
Michael Moufferrige has been charged with trying to smuggle contraband into a Sydney prison. (AAP image Brendon Esposito)

Police allege he paid an agent $1700 as a reward to introduce contraband into Parklea Correctional Centre two weeks ago.

In court documents police also allege he supplied drugs, including Buprenorphine strips, Methyl-amphetamine and Heroin at the jail and Alprazolam, a drug to treat anxiety.

Earlier this month, the Strike Force was set up to investigate reports of alleged corrupt activity by a male correctional officer.

A 26-year-old man, who is a correctional officer, and 31-year-old man, who is an inmate have already been charged. They remain before the courts.

A 34-year-old woman was also arrested at Cessnock Police Station today and charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug and supply specified substance otherwise than by wholesale.

Moufferrige was granted bail in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday. (AAP image/ Brendon Esposito)
Moufferrige was granted bail in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday. (AAP image/ Brendon Esposito)

Police allege she supplied a package which contained contraband and prohibited drugs to a correctional officer at Blacktown on April 18.

She was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court in June.

In Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, Moufferrige appeared via video link where his solicitor Kristy Wade made an application for his bail.

It was opposed by the prosecution who told the court the offences were of a serious nature which carried a seven year imprisonment.

But Magistrate Andrew Eckhold granted strict conditional bail and said Moufferrige was not allowed to approach any correctional centre or correctional services officer.

He will again face the charges in June at Parramatta Local Court.

Investigations under Strike Force Bundawarrah continue.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/thenewcastlenews/michael-moufferrige-accused-of-smuggling-contraband-into-sydney-prison/news-story/9217014f52f99c0b216106b20637e011