A MAN accused of a plan to drop contraband into Cessnock prison with a drone will face court on Monday.
Hunter Valley police received information on Sunday of the plan to drop contraband into the correctional centre, notifying prison staff and patrolling the area.
Officers stopped a Holden Commodore on Maitland Road at Cessnock about 11.45pm, speaking to a female driver and male passenger.
They searched the vehicle and seized a drone and a plastic bag that contained a mobile phone, phone charger, tobacco, lighter and buprenorphine
A subsequent search of the vehicle was conducted, where police seized a drone, and a plastic bag containing a mobile phone and charger, tobacco, lighter and buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine is a prescription drug used in the treatment of heroin dependence.
Police charged a 25-year-old man with two counts of unlawfully deliver or attempt to deliver anything to inmate, and one count each of take part supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, bring prohibited drug/plant into place of detention and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.
"Police will allege in court the man was coordinating the operation with someone inside the facility," NSW Police said in a statement.
The man was refused bail.
Hunter Valley Police District crime manager Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer said police and prison staff continued to work closely together.
"Our joint operations with Corrective Services NSW will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who attempt to facilitate the supply of prohibited drugs or other contraband into facilities in the Hunter Valley district," Detective Inspector Zimmer said.
