A group of prisoners will spend the rest of the festive season in solitary confinement after they were caught drinking homebrew liquor on Christmas Eve.
The 12 inmates at Waikeria Prison, south of Hamilton, were found to have consumed homebrew on December 24. All of the inmates are to be charged with misconduct.
Waikeria Prison general manager Jim Watson said ten prisoners had been placed in segregation and two had been moved to another prison.
“There were no injuries to staff or prisoners, and the unit is now operating normally after being temporarily locked down to deal with the incident.”
He said the incident was “unacceptable”.
“Contraband is not tolerated in prison and we will continue to carry out regular searches.”
The prison spokesperson said homebrew can be made using rotting fruit, water, sugar and a plastic bag.
“While we restrict the number of pieces of fruit that prisoners can purchase, prisoners will often go to significant lengths to try and stockpile it.”
