A man has been charged after a brazen attempt to smuggle a million-dollar payload of drugs and associated paraphernalia into prison was intercepted.

A drone carrying a package allegedly containing methylamphetamine and GBL (gamma-butyrolactone), prescription drugs, syringes, a glass pipe, mobile phone and SIM card was intercepted on May 17 inside Townsville Correctional Complex.

Joint investigations conducted by officers from the Corrective Services Investigations Unit, the Townsville and Bundaberg CIB and Queensland Corrective Service, led to the arrest of a 47-year-old man.

He has been charged with five counts of supplying dangerous drugs into a correctional facility.

He has also been charged with one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, dealing with a prohibited item in a corrective services facility, supplying a medication and drone-related offences.

Detective Acting Inspector Erica Gray of the Corrective Services Investigations Unit said the charges had disrupted the supply of illicit drugs into Queensland’s correctional centres.

“Preventing drugs from entering correctional facilities is critical to the safety of staff, prisoners and the broader community,” she said.

“We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify those involved and hold them accountable.”

The Townsville Correctional Complex’s general manager, Acting Chief Superintendent Silvi Baretta, said Queensland Corrective Services officers worked with Queensland Police Service to identify and prevent contraband introduction.

“This find was the result of our officers’ diligent adherence to security search practices and collaborative approach to ensuring community safety,” Baretta said.

“We thank the Queensland Police Service for their work on investigating and laying charges in this matter, supporting the good order and safety of Townsville Correctional Complex.”

The man will appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

-AAP