TOO MANY DRUG INCIDENTS RECORDED AT LOCAL PRISON

Calls to assess the security at Port Augusta Prison have been raised
again, after the release of the Department of Correctional Services
annual report.

The report showed that one-third of the State's recorded drug
incidents occurred at Port Augusta Prison, where only 18 per cent of
the prisoners reside.

One hundred and two drug incidences were recorded in the latest annual
report.

Shadow correctional services minister Stephen Wade said the issue of
overcrowding needed to be addressed to provide a secure environment in
which drugs do not reach prisons.

However, correctional services corporate communications manager
Christian Thompson said the increase in drug finds was the result of
the department's targeted approach to a crackdown on drug use in prisons.

He said the use of drugs in prisons was a challenge faced by every
correctional jurisdiction and the latest increase indicated they had
been successful in targeting the area.

Mr Thompson said this increase indicated that the range of measures
set in place to combat drugs in prisons had been effective "and is a
testament to the professionalism and vigilance of our correctional
officers".

"Not only is it more difficult than ever before to smuggle drugs into
prisons, but those prisoners who are involved in drug trafficking or
possession are more likely to be caught than ever before," he said.

Mr Wade rejected claims that the statistic was positive.

He said there were plenty of other indications that correctional
services was not winning the war on drugs.

"Prisons are meant to be drug free so the fact that they are getting
in, indicates they are not effectively maintaining the security of the
prison.