Police have launched a major investigation into a drone found carrying drugs near a maximum-security jail in Sydney.
A drone carrying prescription drugs and electronic items including a SIM card was found just metres from a maximum-security prison in Sydney’s east earlier this year.
Now police have released CCTV vision of two men and are urging the public to come forward with information. Police hope the men can assist them in the investigation.
On June 7 a member of the public spotted the drone, which was carrying a package, on Zion Ave, Malabar, just a few streets away from the Long Bay Correctional Complex.
Inside the package officers found buprenorphine, a SIM card and other electronic items, prompting an investigation by the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command.
Detectives have since released CCTV vision of two men and are appealing for anyone with information about their identities to come forward.
One man is described as of Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his mid to late 20s, with a small build and short dark hair. He was wearing a black Asics jumper and grey track pants and carrying a black shoulder bag and two shopping bags.
The second man is also described as of Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his mid to late 20s, with a medium build, dark hair and a beard. He was wearing a black top and shorts, black hat and carrying a shopping bag.
Eastern Beaches Police Area commander detective Superintendent Rohan Cramsie said initial inquiries suggested there was “some level of planning involved” in preparing this drone, considering the items found attached to it.
“Police are currently exploring whether this was an attempt to smuggle contraband into a nearby correctional facility, where tear gas was used to break up a riot that occurred 24 hours later,” he said.
“As investigations continue, we are asking the community to please look carefully at this footage – the information you have may assist police in locating those involved,” Supt Cramsie said.
Inquiries continue.
Supt Cramsie will address the media with more information later on Wednesday.
In a separate incident, four people were charged in July after allegedly planning to smuggle contraband into a correctional facility in the state’s Hunter Region via drone.
Source : News.com.au - Erin Lyons
