The searches were aimed at intercepting contraband being brought into jails.

The operations, 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.

Assistant Commissioner for Security and Intelligence Mark Wilson PSM said that while some drugs were allegedly discovered on visitors, it was 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.

During the operations, officers assisted by contraband detection-dogs found items including: two replica firearms, three knives, a can of pepper spray and a machete; 1.13kg tobacco; 198 Suboxone strips; 1.06g white powder; 4.19g crystal substance; 0.34g amphetamine; 1.42g ‘green vegetable matter’, potentially cannabis; nine Valium tablets; four syringes and two needles and six smoking implements. At Goulburn, officers seized 7.4g of tobacco and cigarette papers. An 18-year-old male was issued a field court attendance notice and denied visiting rights until the matter was finalised.

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

Police say the 2000 crowd at the Classic Hits Live concert were well behaved besides a couple of incidents. 

“One male breached his apprehended violence order and his bail as well,” Acting Inspector Matthew Owen said. 

“Eleven intoxicated patrons were removed by police, while one was refused entry due to intoxication.”

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