Christchurch inmates have toys taken off them

Toys have been removed from Christchurch Men's Prison's visiting area after they were used for fighting and drug smuggling.

Southern assistant regional manager for the Department of Corrections Ian Burke said the toys had been taken away in July and had not yet been replaced.

"These toys had been used as weapons in a fight. Intelligence at the prison also revealed that the toys were being used to pass drugs between prisoners during visits."

Mr Burke said at time children had been used to facilitate drug transfers at the visit centre.

"The safety and security of visitors, staff and prisoners is of the utmost concern to the Department. We make no apology for removing these toys to ensure the safety of all in the prison."

Mr Burke said a more suitable range of toys were being looked at to replace those that had been confiscated.

- NZPA