A vigilant security officer at the Mt Eden prison in Auckland foiled the attempt of five prisoners to escape from the oldest correction facility in the country.
It is understood that the inmates, serving long-term prison sentences for drug-related offences had dug holes in the exercise yard, in preparation for their escape.
The officer, who cannot be named, told Indian Newslink that it was a bold attempt.
“It was a real jail break that did not happen,” he said.
Following the incident, the prison experienced a normal lockdown for the day.
“The entire prison was checked and inspected for any other suspicious developments. Some members of the security staff found ‘a few materials’ that could have been helpful in the escape bid of the prisoners,” the official said.
It is understood that there have been similar instances in the recent past and with some of the toughest inmates, the prison is too old to cope with ‘modern-day offenders.’
Another told this newspaper that the new prison being built adjacent to the existing complex would be completed next year.
“It would be managed by a private company using the latest technology including security cameras and other surveillance equipment,” the source said.
Photo : An artist’s impression of the new Mt Eden Building (foreground and right), with the existing facility at the background.
