He might only be a year into the job, but Queensland Corrective Services Passive Alert Drug Detection dog Luka has started his career on a high - foiling an attempt to introduce a significant amount of drugs and other prohibited items into Woodford Correctional Centre.
PADD dog Luka and handler Nicole, who joined the Delta Unit last May, were on hand when the visitor arrived at the centre, thanks to information gathered by Intelligence Officers who anticipated the attempted crime.
Luka sniffed out the presence of contraband, verifying the information Intelligence Officers had gathered and Queensland Police Service were contacted.
The visitor was arrested after it was identified they were carrying 867 suboxone strips and approximately three grams of methamphetamine, with a value of about $1.2 million.
The intervention highlights the vital role the Queensland Corrective Services' dog squad plays in maintaining safety at Corrections facilities.
Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan congratulated the Dog Squad and Intelligence Officers for their vigilance in the drug intercept.
"Queensland Corrective Services' dog squad is highly skilled, ranks among the best in the world and is a strategic weapon in keeping our correctional centres and communities secure and safe among other security measures like intelligence gathering.
"I want to congratulate PADD Dog Luka and his handler Nicole for detecting the drugs and validating the intel gathered by officers to keep contraband out of prisons, which is an important part of prisoner rehabilitation and breaking the cycle of offending."
Queensland Corrective Services Assistant Commissioner Eloise Hamlett, ACM praised officers for their tremendous work to ensure the safety and security of correctional centres.
"This intercept is an example of our officers' commitment and capability in protecting the safety of staff working on the frontline, the community, and prisoners," Assistant Commissioner Hamlett said.
"Information sharing within the centre, the diligence and vigilance of staff and continued collaboration with QPS is having real and measurable impacts."
General Manager of Woodford Correctional Centre Chief Superintendent Stuart McHaffie said QCS had a zero-tolerance approach to the introduction of drugs into correctional centres.
"Correctional centres are controlled environments for a reason and introducing illicit substances endangers the safety of our officers, prisoners and other visitors," Mr McHaffie said.
"Anyone who tries to bring contraband in will be caught.
"I want to thank the entire staffing group for their dedication, hard work and commitment to following the intelligence and maintaining good order within the centre and community."
One person has been charged with two counts of supplying dangerous drugs and taking a prohibited item into a correctional centre.
The alleged offender is due to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court on 27 July 2023.
Link to vision featuring PADD dog Luka and Handler Nicole and contraband found can be viewed here
Audio Grabs – Stuart McHaffie General Manager Woodford Correctional Centre
Advice – bringing contraband into correctional centres
Importance of Passive Alert Drug Detection dogs in correctional centres
Importance of keeping contraband out of correctional centres
Luka
