• Drug Detection Unit celebrates 30 years of prison search operations
• Minister opens Unit's Administration Complex at Hakea Prison precinct
• DDU broadens reach in regional prisons; expands beyond dog-led searches

The Department of Justice's Drug Detection Unit (DDU) is marking 30 years of service dedicated to keeping illicit drugs out of prisons, with the establishment of a new headquarters.

Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia has officially opened the DDU Administration Complex in the Hakea Prison precinct, with past and present Drug Detection Officers in attendance.

The DDU began operating in 1994 as the Dog Squad, with two officers and their German Shepherds. Today the Unit has 18 teams of officers and passive alert response Labradors working across metropolitan and regional prisons.

This year a second detection team is being deployed at the maximum-security Albany Regional Prison.

The Unit has conducted more than 70,000 searches of individuals and items in the financial year to date in prisons, youth detention centres and visitor areas; on people, in cells and prison areas, mail, vehicles and property. In 2022-23 there were 53,790 searches.

The increased searches resulted in 109 seizures of contraband for 2023-24 to 26 May, compared with 61 in all of the previous year, with the most commonly-seized items buprenorphine-based substances, cannabis and drug paraphernalia.   

In recent years the DDU has expanded its functions beyond dog-led searches to using electronic drug trace detection devices, monitoring wastewater and conducting blanket drug testing.

It is also testing and evaluating body sample drug testing devices capable of detecting synthetic cannabinoids.

Mr Papalia presented Drug Detection Officer Glen with a Certificate of Service for his 20 years with the unit.

Drug detection dog Aria was awarded a Trackers and War Dogs Association Canine Service Medal for five years' service.   

Comments attributed to Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia:

"For 30 years, officers and dogs of the Drug Detection Unit have worked on the front line of keeping illicit drugs out of our custodial facilities.

"Its operations have become increasingly sophisticated and comprehensive over the years and present a formidable barrier to the smuggling of contraband into prisons.

"The DDU's bolstered presence has led to more seizures which, combined with harsher penalties, is a strong deterrent against this criminal activity.

"We will continue to strongly support the Drug Detection Officers and their dogs who are helping make WA's prisons and the community safer. 

"On top of their efforts, this Government has sought to break the cycle between addiction and crime by establishing three successful prisoner alcohol and other drugs rehabilitation facilities."