Prison manager, prisoners netted in cannabis sting

Six people, including a prison manager and three prisoners, have been arrested following a joint police and Corrections Department cannabis sting in Wellington.

Detective Senior Sergeant Darrin Thomson said Operation Wire ended today with search warrants being executed at Rimutaka Prison and houses in Hutt Valley and Wellington city.

The operation was sparked by information from Corrections about an alleged cannabis supply chain to inmates at the prison.

Corrections head Barry Matthews said police became involved as information surfaced.

He said illegal activity in prisons was intolerable and didn't want the actions of one staff member to tarnish the honesty and dedication of others.

Mr Thomson said as part of the operation police had investigated several people who were allegedly involved in the early stages of setting up a cannabis growing and supply operation.

He said six people would be charged with over 20 offences involving conspiracy and the supply and cultivation of cannabis.

Three prisoners were among the six arrested - two of whom were females.

All are due to appear in Wellington District Court over the next week.

- NZPA