UPDATE: Massachusetts correction officers are sounding the alarm on escalating drug smuggling in prisons, declaring that “officers’ and inmates’ lives are at stake.” This urgent call for action follows a significant report from the Department of Correction (DOC) detailing a series of contraband busts that have resulted in multiple arrests.
Officials announced that the DOC and Massachusetts State Police Task Force have intercepted “significant quantities” of illicit drugs, including K2 and synthetic cannabinoids, from entering state correctional facilities. Since the operation began, authorities have opened 26 cases, leading to a number of arrests and filed charges, primarily against individuals attempting to deliver drugs to inmates.
Among the seized items are 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 this crackdown, the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union insists that “more needs to be done.” The union emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The number one danger is the smuggling of illicit drugs into our prisons,” and called for a partnership with the DOC to enhance safety measures for both correction officers and inmates.
“Our officers’ and inmates’ lives are at stake,” said the union. “We want our officers to feel safe when they go to work.”
Last year, a correction officer at MCI-Shirley was hospitalized after being exposed to a synthetic cannabinoid, requiring multiple doses of Narcan and suffering from seizures. This incident highlights the severe risks posed by drug smuggling in correctional facilities, which is a nationwide issue.
“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. She praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, stating that the results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining enforcement, intelligence, and technology.
Recent investigations at MCI-Shirley, MCI-Norfolk, and Old Colony Correctional Center have unveiled alarming tactics used by smugglers. For instance, a woman at MCI-Shirley was caught attempting to conceal drugs in her mouth, while investigators at MCI-Norfolk discovered an inmate hiding a large quantity of K2 in baby powder containers, valued at nearly $250,000.
In response to the growing threat, DOC has implemented new safety protocols, including the Unknown Substance Response Policy, which provides correction officers with personal protective equipment to ensure their safety during drug-related incidents. “These arrests underscore our commitment to holding accountable those who disregard the health and safety of our colleagues and those in our care,” stated DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins.
Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble emphasized the critical role of law enforcement in disrupting drug trafficking networks targeting correctional facilities. “The strong partnership and coordination among the DOC, MSP, and our federal and local partners have helped to keep millions of dollars’ worth of dangerous substances out of the state prison system,” he said.
As the situation continues to develop, officials urge the public and correctional staff to remain vigilant. The DOC and Massachusetts State Police are committed to enhancing their efforts to combat drug smuggling and ensure the safety of all individuals within the state prison system. “The joint efforts are crucial in preventing these substances from harming our facilities,” Kwon concluded.
