Manawatu Prison staff were surprised to see a pair of new inmates dealing contraband during their induction - before they had even reached the cells.
"Staff at the receiving office were taking new prisoners through entry procedures when they noticed an exchange between two of the prisoners," prison manager Peter Howe said.
"Staff saw one prisoner place something down another's top and moved immediately to intervene."
They found a cellphone, battery and a pill capsule filled with cannabis oil.
"Incidents like this always surprise me. These prisoners would have known that they would be under vigilant observation as they entered the prison, but they still attempted to smuggle contraband items in.
"This only confirms what we already know, that the demand for drugs in prison is high and despite the consequences prisoners will try anything to get drugs in."
Mr Howe said anyone being pressured to help smuggle drugs into prisons should call 0800 JAIL SAFE.
