Grow your own dope ... in Villawood
August 13, 2009 - 1:40PM
A one-metre tall cannabis plant has been discovered in a disused recreational room at Sydney's Villawood detention centre, sparking an investigation by NSW Police and the facility's operator.
Staff from private operator G4S found the hydroponically grown plant yesterday during a routine check, when they saw a light coming from one of the lockers in the abandoned room.
Immigration Department spokesman Sandi Logan said the recreational room had not been used by either detainees or staff for quite some time.
It was not yet known whether staff or detainees had cultivated the plant, with G4S and NSW Police now investigating how it was smuggled into the centre, he said.
"It's been a vacant area of the detention for some time. It used to be a television and recreation room," Mr Logan said.
"The matter has been referred to NSW Police by G4S, and G4S itself has been asked by the department to explain how the plant came to be in the locker and who might have been responsible.
"G4S are continuing their investigation and we'll await the outcome."
Mr Logan said the plant had now been destroyed.
"The department clearly does not tolerate drugs or any contraband substances in immigration detention centres," he said.
