Freedom New Zealand

A significant reduction in prison drug use is expected to be one direct result of new technology which is being introduced to block cellphone use.

From February, cutting edge technology will mean cellphones will not work in jails.

Corrections Association President Beven Hanlon says at the moment it is impossible to stop prisoners using cellphones, as inmates are skilled at hiding them.

He says the new technology will prevent a lot of crime on the inside and outside, as prisoners will not be able to use their phones to organise drug drops or plan escapes.

Mr Hanlon says the technology has been trialled in Hawke's Bay and appears to be working, however he says there is still one gap in the strategy.

He says at the moment mail is checked at random but the rules need to be changed so that letters and packages can be more thoroughly scrutinised.