Rimutaka Prison officials admit they have no idea how often drugs are smuggled into the prison, but say they do their best to intercept them.

Prisoners at Rimutaka have been busted trying to smuggle in cannabis, cigarettes and a cell phone. Acting Manager Richard Symonds says staff became suspicious when they approached two men who were standing at the prison's outer wall on Tuesday night. The men promptly ran away.

Mr Symonds says during a search of the area they found a package containing cannabis, tobacco, cigarette papers, a cell phone and charger. Two prisoners were discovered trying to retrieve the package with home made fishing lines.

The prisoners have been charged with misconduct under the Prison's internal disciplinary system. A former prisoner, released just last week has been arrested for his alleged attempt at trying to smuggle in the package.