By Rick Sobey
Boston Herald
BOSTON — Correction officers are sounding the alarm about drug smuggling into prisons, saying “officers’ and inmates’ lives are at stake” after the Department of Correction reported several arrests for drugs and contraband.
Officials said this week that the DOC-Mass State Police Task Force has stopped “significant quantities” of K2 and synthetic cannabinoids and other illicit substances from entering state correctional facilities.
The task force has opened 26 cases, resulting in arrests or filed charges. The vast majority involve suspects delivering drugs or contraband to inmates.
Authorities seized 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.
DOC investigators estimate the seized cannabinoids are worth more than $9 million.
But despite these efforts, the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union says “more needs to be done.”
“ The Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union agrees with the Department of Correction that these findings are serious and the number one danger is the smuggling of illicit drugs into our prisons,” the union said. “However, this is one step and more needs to be done.
“Our officers’ and inmates’ lives are at stake,” the union added. “We have repeatedly petitioned the DOC that the union wants to partner with them to do more to remove K2 and other dangerous drugs and weapons that have put correction officers’ lives at risk. We want our officers to feel safe when they go to work.”
Last year, an MCI-Shirley correction officer was exposed to a synthetic cannabinoid and knocked unconscious, ending up in the hospital. The officer was later told that he was given Narcan four times, and he had multiple seizures.
Drug smuggling into jails and prisons is a nationwide problem, according to DOC which says it has responded by combining enforcement, technology, staff training and education for inmates about the harmful effects of drugs.
“Preventing dangerous drugs and contraband from entering state prisons is essential to protecting the safety and health of all who live and work across DOC facilities,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon .
“The results of this joint effort led by the DOC and Massachusetts State Police demonstrate what is possible when law enforcement partners combine enforcement, intelligence and technology to disrupt illegal activity,” Kwon added. “I want to thank the DOC and MSP investigators assigned to this effort for their shared commitment to the safety and security of incarcerated individuals and DOC staff.”
Some of the DOC-State Police Task Force cases were at MCI-Shirley, MCI-Norfolk, and Old Colony Correctional Center in Bridgewater.
For instance, investigators at MCI-Shirley spotted a woman trying to conceal an item in her mouth. Officers found a balloon, containing 11 stamp-sized pieces of paper that tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids.
Investigators at MCI-Norfolk found an inmate with a large quantity of K2 hidden inside baby powder containers. Investigators estimated the K2’s value was nearly $250,000.
Also, at Old Colony Correctional Center, a Fall River woman was arrested and charged with delivering drugs or articles to a prisoner. She went to the facility to visit an inmate and was caught with synthetic cannabinoids.
“Through collaboration and intelligence sharing with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, District Attorney’s Offices and federal partners, the DOC has successfully intercepted harmful substances from entering facilities while advancing the policies, safety measures, and technology that support our ability to detect and deter illegal activity,” said DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins.
“These arrests underscore our commitment to holding accountable those who disregard the health and safety of our colleagues and those in our care,” Jenkins added. “I’m grateful to DOC staff for their dedication and vigilance and commend our state and federal law enforcement partners for their invaluable support.”
DOC also said the agency has implemented the Unknown Substance Response Policy, including buying new personal protective equipment to keep personnel safe while responding to incidents or investigating the presence of illicit substances.
“This Task Force’s work reinforces the critical role law enforcement plays in disrupting trafficking networks that target correctional facilities,” Mass State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble said. “The strong partnership and coordination among the DOC and our federal and local partners have helped to keep millions of dollars’ worth of dangerous substances out of the state prison system.”
Noble added, “ The State Police is proud to support this effort and remains firmly committed to working with the DOC and our partners to detect, deter and investigate any attempts to introduce illicit drugs into DOC facilities.”
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