Early Saturday, police from the Shoalhaven Local Area Command and Corrective Services personnel executed an operation at the South Coast Correctional Centre in Nowra.

The operation – which also utilised specialist officers and Corrective Services drug-detection dogs – targeted those attempting to introduce drugs and other contraband into the prison.

In addition to conducting searches of more than 200 visitors and 50 vehicles to the prison, officers also performed five random drug tests on motorists heading towards the complex, two of which police allege returned positive indications to methylamphetamine; seven others were refused entry on security grounds.

Shoalhaven Local Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Tim Beattie, said similar operations would be undertaken over the course of the coming months.

“We have a strong working relationship with the staff at the South Coast Correctional Centre and will continue to work closely together to identify and arrest anyone involved in the attempted introduction of contraband into the prison,” A/Supt Beattie said.

Corrective Services NSW Acting Director of Custodial Corrections (South Region), Mr Ian Farquhar, said Corrective Services NSW would continue to show no tolerance for contraband.

“We have never been more serious about preventing contraband from entering prisons. Visitors can be guaranteed specialist search teams as a regular presence through operations at the South Coast Correctional Centre, and prisons around the state,” Mr Farquhar said.

“This operation shows visitors trying to bring in contraband will be caught and face criminal charges as well as being banned from visits for up to two years.

“Any contraband that enters the prison environment presents a major risk to the health, safety and security of staff and inmates, and will not be tolerated,” Mr Farquhar said.