A Bendigo woman has avoided conviction after sniffer dogs at Hopkins Correctional Centre detected illicit substances in her possession.
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Nicole Smith, 39, pleaded guilty to possession charges at the Ararat Magistrates' Court on Friday after an incident at the prison on March 14, 2021.
The court was told Smith visited the corrections centre to see her partner, who was an inmate.
Smith and another woman also visiting the prison were subject to a screening process by prison officers.
A drug detection dog at the prison detected traces of illicit substances on both women, which led the officers to search Smith's vehicle.
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The officers found 1.65g of methamphetamine in a zip lock bag located in a purse and a machete under the car's rear passenger seat.
Smith was arrested and taken to Ararat Police Station, where she stated she did know how the drugs had gotten into the purse.
Smith also claimed the machete had been used during family camping and fishing trips, and she forgot it was in the car.
Magistrate Lance Martin said Smith was entitled to an early plea despite COVID-19 adjourning the case.
"It was not alleged by police that you were in possession of the machete to introduce it into the jail or possessing the methamphetamine for that purpose," Mr Martin said.
"I am satisfied that a non-conviction outcome is appropriate."
Smith was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction.
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