Detector dog Bart Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
A Rimutaka Prison detector dog found drugs hidden in shoes.
Earlier this month, detector dog Bart stopped cocaine and methamphetamine from entering the Upper Hutt prison.
Bart gave a very strong indication on a box of trainers during a routine search of incoming property.
Cocaine and methamphetamine were found in shoes at Rimutaka Prison. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
At first, handler John Thorne did not find anything of concern.
"Bart was adamant that he was right, so I knew I needed to keep searching," he said.
"I ripped open that cavity and found a bag of white powder. I then felt the padding on the other side of the shoe and I felt a similar inconsistency. I checked the other shoe and it was the same on both sides."
The incident was immediately reported to police and the substances were collected to be tested.
Police later confirmed it was approximately 22.5 grams of cocaine split between four large bags and 2.5 grams of methamphetamine in two small bags.
"I trusted my dog and so I couldn't accept that there was nothing there," Thorne said.
"Let this be a clear message to anyone attempting to bring in or send any contraband to our sites - you will be caught.
"There is no place for drugs in prison. They create a more dangerous working environment for our staff, and prevent prisoners from engaging in rehabilitation, education and employment opportunities."
The Department of Corrections said a range of methods were used at prisons across New Zealand to prevent drugs, weapons, cellphones and other prohibited items from entering.
They include 22 operational detector dog handlers operating 26 dogs across the country, x-ray technology, telephone monitoring of prisoners' calls and single points of entry to sites.