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An inter-agency operation between ACT Policing and ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS) last week targeted contraband being brought into the Alexander Maconochie Centre via scheduled appointments.
Thursday afternoon (12 March 2026) saw visitors to the prison engaged by ACT Policing and ACT Corrective Services officers before they entered the facility.
Throughout the afternoon, vehicles and people were stopped and searched as they arrived for scheduled visits. Several drivers appeared to deliberately attempt to avoid police and were subsequently intercepted by Road Policing members.
During the operation, one visitor was refused entry after a drug detection dog indicated the presence of contraband. A short time later, another person arriving by public transport had their visit cancelled after being found in possession of contraband.
As a result of the operation, two drivers allegedly returned positive drug-driving tests, multiple items of contraband were seized, and five visitors were turned away by ACTCS after alleged breaches of visitation rules.
Inspector Brett Booth from ACT Policing Intelligence said there is a full-time focus on targeting illicit drugs and contraband coming into the AMC, and penalties will be imposed on those who do so.
“If you attempt to bring illicit substances or contraband into the AMC, you can expect to see us and ACT Corrective Services officers side by side. You will be arrested and charged accordingly,” Inspector Booth said.
“Working together – we are supercharging efforts to disrupt the introduction of a range of contraband items including illicit drugs, mobile phones, and weapons.”
“ACT Corrective Services takes a zero‑tolerance approach to contraband at the AMC. Operations like this reinforce that contraband‑related activity will be identified, disrupted and seized to ensure the safety of our detainees and staff,” said ACT Corrective Services Commissioner Leanne Close.
“ACT Corrective Services will continue to work with ACT Policing on operations to maintain security and safety in the AMC.”
Taking a prohibited item into a correctional centre contrary to the ACT Corrections Management Act 2007 carries a fine of up to $1000, imprisonment for one year, or both.
Supply drug of dependence contrary to the Drugs of Dependence Act 1989 carries a fine of up to $5000, imprisonment for five years, or both.
ACT Policing encourages anyone with information about the possession, supply, or attempted introduction of contraband into correctional facilities to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, or on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.