Corrective Services NSW officers are reminding visitors to ensure their cars are contraband-free after a weekend blitz at several NSW correctional centres uncovered drugs, knives, replica firearms and a can of pepper spray. 

During the operation, led by CSNSW’s specialised Security Operations Group in conjunction with NSW Police, resulted in at least 11 visitors being charged and another eight prevented from entering the centres at Lithgow, Mid North Coast, Shortland, Goulburn and South Coast.

Five people were issued court attendance notices (CANs) as a result of finds at Lithgow. In all cases the visitors were denied access to the centre.

Two people will face court after 1.89 grams of white crystal, one Valium tablet, 0.34 gram of amphetamine, three ‘glass smoking implements’ and two knives were found in their vehicle. 

One person was issued with a CAN 28 Suboxone (buprenorphine) strips and 0.26g of white powder were found on their person.

Another will face court after one Suboxone strip, an ice pipe, a large knife and a can of mace were found in their vehicle. 

A CAN was issued after 1.42 grams of vegetable matter was found, which was believed to be cannabis, in another vehicle.

Also found during the searches were another eight Valium tablets and 20 Suboxane strips. 

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Assistant Commissioner for Security and Intelligence Mark Wilson PSM said that while some drugs were allegedly discovered on visitors, it is also an offence for visitors to have banned items in their cars when attending the complex.

“Anyone visiting a correctional centre needs to be aware that officers and K9s are out in force conducting contraband screenings and this includes searches of any property brought on site,” Mr Wilson said.

“We make sure no stone is left unturned. Everything on CSNSW property – whether it be a handbag, pram or car – is carefully inspected for contraband.

“Visitors need to use some common sense and ensure that they are not driving into a correctional facility with a boot full of hunting knives or anything else that is considered contraband in the custodial setting such as tobacco.”

Items found in other correctional centres included: 

Almost all of the contraband was allegedly discovered in visitor cars, including the replica firearms, knives, pepper spray and machete.

Visitors caught bringing banned items, including illegal and prescription drugs, to correctional centres face penalties of up to two years' imprisonment.

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