Two staff members at Waikato's Waikeria Prison have been sent into isolation on Monday morning, after a package containing a “suspicious substance” was opened in the mail room.
Waikeria Prison director, Jim Watson says the administration wing where the mail room is located has also been closed off.
“We take threats to the operation of our facilities and safety of our staff extremely seriously and have detailed protocols for dealing with incidents of this nature,” he said.
“Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand were immediately informed and are on site.
"Two staff members were working in the mail room when the package was opened. They were immediately isolated and have not shown any signs or symptoms of exposure.”
Watson said mail at the prison is opened in a dedicated room that is able to be locked down with minimal impact on the rest of the prison.
“There has been no disruption to the safe and secure operation of the rest of the prison, which is continuing to operate as normal.”
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