URGENT UPDATE: Massachusetts correction officers are raising alarms over rampant drug smuggling in state prisons, stating that “officers’ and inmates’ lives are at stake.” The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) has reported multiple arrests and significant drug busts, revealing a pressing need for enhanced security measures.
This week, the DOC-Massachusetts State Police Task Force announced they have intercepted significant quantities of K2, synthetic cannabinoids, and other illicit substances from entering correctional facilities. A total of 26 cases have been opened, resulting in arrests or filed charges against individuals attempting to deliver drugs to inmates.
Authorities seized an alarming cache of contraband: 110 pages of synthetic cannabinoids, 142 strips of Suboxone, 120 pills of Oxycodone, 17 doses of fentanyl, two grams of heroin, and 4.5 grams of THC. The estimated street value of the seized cannabinoids exceeds $9 million.
Despite these efforts, the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union (MCOFU) insists that “more needs to be done.” They emphasize the ongoing danger of drug smuggling, calling for greater collaboration with the DOC to enhance safety measures for both officers and inmates. “Our officers’ and inmates’ lives are at stake,” the union stated, urging immediate action.
“We want our officers to feel safe when they go to work,” said the MCOFU.
The issue of drug smuggling is not new but has escalated to alarming levels. Last year, an officer at MCI-Shirley was exposed to a synthetic cannabinoid, leading to hospitalization. He was administered Narcan multiple times and experienced several seizures, underscoring the critical risks posed by these substances.
Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon highlighted the importance of preventing drugs from entering prisons. “The results of this joint effort demonstrate what is possible when law enforcement partners combine enforcement, intelligence, and technology to disrupt illegal activity,” Kwon stated.
The DOC has implemented various strategies to combat this issue, including the Unknown Substance Response Policy and the acquisition of new personal protective equipment for staff. DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins underscored their commitment to enhancing the safety of correctional facilities, stating, “These arrests underscore our commitment to holding accountable those who disregard the health and safety of our colleagues and those in our care.”
Investigators have reported specific instances of drug smuggling at several facilities. At MCI-Shirley, a woman was caught attempting to conceal drugs in her mouth, leading to the discovery of 11 stamp-sized pieces of paper testing positive for synthetic cannabinoids. Similarly, at MCI-Norfolk, authorities found an inmate with a sizeable stash of K2 hidden in baby powder containers, with an estimated value of nearly $250,000.
At the Old Colony Correctional Center, a Fall River woman was arrested after trying to deliver synthetic cannabinoids during a visit to an inmate. Each of these cases illustrates the ongoing battle against drug smuggling within Massachusetts’ correctional facilities.
“The strong partnership and coordination among the DOC and our federal and local partners have helped keep millions of dollars’ worth of dangerous substances out of the state prison system,” said Mass State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble.
As investigations continue, the DOC and Massachusetts State Police reaffirm their commitment to combating drug trafficking in prisons. The urgency of the situation calls for immediate action and collaboration to protect the safety and health of all individuals within these correctional facilities.
Stay tuned for further developments as authorities work diligently to address this critical issue affecting the Massachusetts prison system.
