Drugs found in apple on prison roof

Drug squad police are investigating a small but curious incident after an apple on the roof of the Corradino prisons was found to contain a small amount of heroin in a sachet.

Sources said it was suspected that someone had either tried to lob the apple from outside, hoping it would fall into the yard, or it was flung from one yard to another but fell short of its intended destination.

A prison warden who went to retrieve the apple had to be treated after he cut his hand on the razor wire, the sources said.

Drugs are hidden in very unusual places in prison, including in baked macaroni, in a hollow tooth, in a baby diaper, sanitary towels and also in people's noses and genitals.

On Sunday, a prisoner was found in possession of two sachets in two loaves of bread he was carrying from the bakery to one of the divisions.

Drug finds in prison are not unusual but the level of drugs in prison at the moment was described as being "on the low side".

Tests taken last December, showed that out of a number of prisoners tested three proved positive and 43 were negative. Five refused to take the test and these would be disciplined by losing part of their remission because they are treated as if they failed the test.