Queensland police are investigating an attempt to smuggle $250,000 worth of drugs into the Townsville prison using a drone.
The drone was discovered on the grounds of the Townsville Correctional Centre by patrolling officers on November 11.
It is believed the drone crashed two days earlier, police said.
It was carrying a package of methylamphetamine, tobacco, cannabis and more than 600 suboxone strips when it crashed.
Suboxone strips are used for people recovering from opioid addictions, but itself can be addictive.
A light-coloured ute was seen near the facility at the time and captured by CCTV cameras.
Townsville Correctional Complex general manager Chief Superintendent Louise Kneeshaw said the introduction of drugs into correctional centres endangered prisoners and staff.
Under new laws the flying drones over a correctional centre could result in a prison sentence, she said.
Police have requested members of the public come forward with any information of the incident.