Police are investigating after a staff member at Mt Eden prison was busted attempting to smuggle in contraband

The Herald understands the prison guard was intercepted trying to take contraband into the prison about 9.20 yesterday morning.

Mt Eden prison director Dennis Goodin won't confirm what it was or how the staff member was 'intercepted'.

But, Mr Goodin says the contraband was found 'as part of the normal daily operations of the prison and was not part of any wider operation'.

No arrests have been made and an investigation is ongoing.