Package intercepted at Whanganui prison

Two men have been charged following a thwarted attempt to smuggle contraband, including cannabis and cellphones, into Whanganui prison, Corrections say.

In early July a package was intercepted as it came onto prison grounds and two men located outside the prison perimeter were arrested in a joint Corrections and Police operation.

The package was found to contain large quantities of cannabis, tobacco, papers, cellphones and accessories, Corrections said.

Corrections said it was a significant contraband seizure and the interception operation disrupted a serious risk to the prison's safety and security.

Two men have been jointly charged with possession of cannabis for supply and breach of the Corrections Act for unauthorised deliveries.

One man faces a further charge of possession of a knife.

The men have been remanded in custody and will appear in court at a later date.