Drone used to drop drugs, a knife and tech gear into maximum security Barwon Prison

A package filled with drugs, a knife, security tools and tech gear has been dropped via drone into Victoria’s most notorious prison. Here’s how.

A drone has been used to drop a package containing drugs, a knife, security tools and tech gear into a maximum security jail.

Police are investigating after prison authorities discovered the contraband had been delivered behind the walls of Barwon Prison last month.

The Sunday Herald Sun understands the package had been wrapped in grass for camouflage then deposited in an outside garden area.

But the drop was picked up by hi-tech anti-drone equipment used by Corrections Victoria.

Buprenorphine – the biggest problem drug behind bars – and heroin were inside the package.

The cargo would have had enormous value on the prison narcotics black market, which has been severely disrupted by COVID clamps.

The small knife, tool and USB equipment posed potential security risks in a jail housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the state.

There has been increasing concern in recent years about the risk of drones being used for prison drug smuggling missions.

Corrections Minister Natalie Hutchins said drone detection equipment was stopping drugs and other contraband reaching inmates.

The technology is being used to augment perimeter patrols, CCTV and intelligence gathering to block such attempts.

A drone has been used to drop a package containing drugs into Barwon Prison. Picture: Peter Ristevski

“Thanks to Corrections Victoria staff and our new technology, authorities were able to intercept and seize contraband following a recent drone attempt at Barwon prison. This matter has been referred to Victoria Police, who are investigating,” Ms Hutchins said.

“Illegal drugs are unacceptable in our prisons and as new methods are tried to smuggle them we will make sure we have the measures in place can stop them.”

Corrections Victoria had anticipated inmates would look to other methods to get their hands on banned items after the COVID pandemic resulted in visits being suspended.

The State Government banned the use of drones near prisons two years ago.

New laws restricting incoming mail are expected to make the smugglers’ job even harder.

Correspondence will now be photocopied and given to prisoners because there have been increasing instances of the original paperwork containing drugs which had been dissolved or painted into them.

Buprenorphine, in particular, can be hidden in mail or drawings in a wafer strip.

Legal letters will be exempt from the restrictions.

MORE NEWS

INSIDE MELBOURNE’S MOST DANGEROUS WOMEN’S PRISON

ROBERTA WILLIAMS’ HEATED POLICE INTERVIEW ON CAMERA

DARREN BRACKEN’S UNUSUAL PATH TO STATE CORONERS’ COURT