Mobilong Prison visitor convicted as police focus on drug smuggling

A 55-year-old woman has been convicted after a Mobilong Prison officer found a bag of methamphetamine in her pocket.

Tamura Jane Lloyd was visiting a family member at the prison on June 13, 2021 when a sniffer dog indicated that officers should inspect one of her pants pockets.

When asked what was in there, according to District Court Judge Kristopher Handshin, she said “nothing” – but was seen to drop a plastic bag containing a crystalline substance, and had another bag in her hand.

The officers detained her and a friend.

Police later found that the two bags contained 0.12 grams of methamphetamine.

The woman’s lawyer told the court she had forgotten that the drugs were in her pocket, and that she had not intended to smuggle them inside the prison.

Judge Handshin commended Lloyd for having gone through a recovery program during her time in custody: “the circuit-breaker you needed to extricate yourself from the grip of methamphetamine and to realise your potential to re-integrate into the community”.

“I am optimistic that you now have the drive and capacity to see the SMART program through, and to ultimately re-enter the community drug free and ready to make the most of your life,” he said.

Her lawyer told the court she hoped to start her own business – perhaps a coffee or food truck – on her release from prison.

Judge Handshin convicted her on Friday, but did not fine her or extend the sentence she was serving in relation to another matter.

Drugs, traffic offences detected during police operation

The prosecution is unlikely to be the last South Australia’s courts will see around drug smuggling at Mobilong.

SA Police conducted an operation at the prison on Saturday.

Of the 61 visitors they searched, four allegedly had prohibited items – methamphetamines or Valium – in their possession.

One was arrested over an outstanding warrant.

Police also arrested or reported four for drug driving, two for driving without a licence and one for driving while disqualified.

Chief Inspector Cindy Healey warned that SA Police and the Department of Correctional Services were determined to stop contraband getting into prisons.

“You run a strong chance of being caught if you choose to take the risk,” she said.

“This recent operation conducted at Mobilong Prison is indicative of our commitment to travel throughout the state to support DCS and quell the supply of drugs and other contraband into prisons.”

Anyone with information about drugs or other contraband being brought into prisons should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.

• Get help: Talk to your GP; visit www.mmgpn.org.au, call 8531 1303 or visit the Murray Mallee GP Network at 55 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge between 8.30am and 5pm weekdays; or call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

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