State Department of Corrections officials say they’ve busted a drug smuggling ring that contributed to a recent wave of inmate overdose deaths.
Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko said Thursday the ring was uncovered by an internal investigation.
She said investigators found drugs were getting smuggled in through three methods. One involved the use of counterfeit packaging made to look like well-known products. Another involved counterfeit mail. The third was through visitors, including family and friends, bringing drugs into prison during visits.
Wasko said three recent inmate deaths are linked to drug overdoses. One of those stemmed directly from a visitor sneaking in drugs.
Other agencies, including the DCI and the U.S. Postmaster General, are investigating to determine whether to file charges.
“We wanted to ensure that the public is aware of the work that has been done in these cases. We are taking action to keep staff and inmates safe,” Wasko said.
A statement from the Department of Corrections said the introduction of drugs in the prison facilities has led to the department enacting non-contact visits for family and friends of offenders in certain facilities. Non-contact visits may be expanded to other prison facilities. Additional policy changes are also under review.