A man has been charged after a drone allegedly carrying more than $1 million worth of illicit drugs and utensils was found inside a correctional centre.

Queensland Corrective Services custodial officers discovered the drone located inside the Townsville Correctional Centre on May 17 with a package attached allegedly containing methylamphetamine and GBL, a large quantity of prescription drugs, syringes, a glass pipe, a mobile phone and a SIM card.

The discovery prompted a joint investigation by police and prison authorities.

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Police allege the package was destined for prisoners inside the centre.

“Preventing drugs from entering correctional facilities is critical to the safety of staff, prisoners and the broader community,” Detective Acting Inspector Erica Gray said.

The 47-year-old has since been charged with five counts of supplying dangerous drugs into a correctional facility, along 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 under the Corrective Services Act.

He is expected to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

It is not the first time a drone has been used in an alleged attempt to smuggle contraband into the prison.

In November 2022, officers found a crashed drone carrying methylamphetamine, tobacco, cannabis and 617 Suboxone strips, with the haul estimated to be worth $250,000. A man was charged over the incident in 2023. 

The investigation remains ongoing.