Four men have been charged with trying to take contraband, including methamphetamine into Hawke's Bay Regional Prison last night after they were caught close to the fence line.

Police say a Corrections officer patrolling the outer perimeters of the prison found the four Hawke's Bay men in a vehicle "extremely close to the fence line on private property".

Source: 1 NEWS

Two of the men were quickly caught, with the other two making a dash for freedom, said Detective Sergeant Darren Pritchard of Hawke's Bay Police.

The other two men were found with a number of "well-constructed packages" that contained amounts of tobacco, cannabis, methamphetamine and nicotine patches, Mr Pritchard said.

They've been charged with attempting to introduce contraband into the prison.

Acting Prison Director Nephi Hall says preventing contraband from entering prisons is a key priority for Corrections.

"Contraband can compromise the safety of staff, visitors and prisoners. It can also prevent prisoners from engaging in rehabilitation programmes, education and employment opportunities," Mr Hall said.

"We use a range of methods to prevent items being introduced into prisons, and anyone who tries can expect to be caught and held accountable."

People found guilty of introducing contraband into prison are liable for up to three months imprisonment or a fine of up to $2,000.