Corrections officers find drugs, tools hidden in gym equipment at Mannus Correctional Centre

Corrections officers have thwarted an attempt to smuggle drugs and other contraband inside weights, exercise bikes and other equipment at an inmate gym in a NSW jail.

A squad of corrections officers-turned-super sleuths uncovered a stealthy attempt to hide drugs and other contraband inside weights, exercise bikes and other equipment at an inmate gym in southern NSW.

The five-person team of officers used a grinder to cut open the gym weights to extract steroids, and syringes — and in the process also found white crystal powder, a tablet and “green vegetable matter” inside.

The stash of syringes, needles, steroids and other drugs were seized during the raid at Mannus Correctional Centre late last month.

Officers also found work tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, and a shifter and claw hammer, in the stash.

Senior Correctional Officer Daniel Webster exclusively told The Saturday Telegraph the officers at the minimum-security prison acted on “intelligence, intuition and left no stone unturned”, finding contraband stuffed inside weights, exercise bikes, a cupboard and toilet area.

Drugs stashed in jail gym equipment were found after correction officers did some investigative work of their own. Picture: Supplied

Senior corrections officer Daniel Webster found drugs stashed in jail gym equipment. Picture: Supplied

“The attempts to hide contraband were extraordinary, but we’re trained to look in the most obscure places and, on this occasion, our gut instincts led to a treasure trove of banned goods that have no place in prison,” Mr Webster said.

“A mobile phone charger was found in the toilet area, and a cupboard containing multiple tools, including a socket set, Allen keys and Phillips head screwdrivers, was located in a storage room.

“Most remarkable was what was inside the gym equipment: plastic-wrapped syringes and needles inside the feet caps of exercise bikes, and large quantities of similar contraband within the handles of weights.”

Acting Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Dr Anne-Marie Martin said the raid was an excellent example of intelligence gathering, observation and officers’ instincts working together for the greater good of the prison and the community.

A whole cache of drugs were discovered. Picture: Supplied

Plastic-wrapped syringes and needles were hidden inside the feet caps of exercise bikes. Picture: Supplied

“Contraband is called that for a reason,” she said.

“It is detrimental to the rehabilitative work staff and inmates are engaged in.

“It is disruptive to the good order of the prison and those making an effort to get their lives back on track.”

Dr Martin said whether they were at a minimum or maximum-security centre, the work of officers did not change “and that includes searches, operations and techniques to weed contraband out”.

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