Police have charged a man following allegations he attempted to smuggle contraband into Berrima Correctional Facility with a piece of fruit.
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Corrective Services NSW commissioner Peter Severin has praised two prison officers who stopped contraband from allegedly being smuggled inside an apple into the correctional centre.
The two officers were undertaking intelligence-based surveillance of the prison's perimeter on Sunday, May 2, when they allegedly saw a man throw an apple over the prison wall.
They then saw the man get into his vehicle and attempt to drive away.
One of the officers was struck by the vehicle's side mirror while trying to stop the man drive away in the car.
Commissioner Severin said the injured officer underwent surgery to his wrist following the incident.
"We hope he makes a full recovery. I commend our staff for their courage and determination," he said.
The man managed to leave the vicinity of the facility and an investigation was commenced to locate him.
Following inquiries, a 44-year-old man was arrested at a house on Palmerston Road, Hornsby, at about 9.40am on May 3. The man was then taken to Hornsby Police Station. A search warrant was executed at the house by officers from The Hume Police District.
A search of the premises was conducted with assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad and Kuring-Gai Police Area Command.
Police located and seized drugs, believed to be Methylamphetamine, and fraud-related documentation during the execution of the search warrant.
"We hope he makes a full recovery. I commend our staff for their courage and determination," Commissioner Peter Severin said.
The man was charged with use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, supply syringe to inmate in custody, possess prohibited drug.
He was also charged with three counts of possess identity information to commit indictable offence.
He was refused bail and appeared in Hornsby Local Court on May 3, where he was formally refused bail.
The man will reappear in court on Wednesday, June 12.
