Three women were arrested after investigators say they tried to smuggle large amounts of marijuana into Elmira Correctional Facility during separate visits.
The arrests followed three incidents at the maximum-security prison, where staff stopped the attempts with help from a K9 unit, according to the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association.
The first arrest happened December 20 when a K9 alerted to a female visitor from Buffalo in the visitor processing area. Investigators said the woman voluntarily turned over four bundles hidden inside her shirt. The substance tested positive for marijuana and weighed about 50 grams. She was transported to the New York State Police barracks in Horseheads and charged with promoting prison contraband in the second degree.
The following day, a K9 alerted to another female visitor, this time from Rochester. Investigators said she surrendered two clear bundles concealed in her shirt that tested positive for marijuana and weighed close to two pounds. She was charged with promoting prison contraband in the second degree and unlawful possession of marijuana.
The third arrest occurred January 18 and involved a woman from Port Jefferson who arrived with her young daughter and son. Investigators said a K9 alerted on the child, and staff noticed a bulge in the child’s waistband. Authorities said the woman attempted to push the items further into the child’s pants before surrendering two clear bundles containing 23 grams of marijuana, rolling papers, and liquid-stained paper believed to contain drugs.
She was charged with three counts of promoting prison contraband in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child. The woman and her children were transported to the Horseheads barracks.
All three suspects were issued appearance tickets and released.
Staff credited officers and their K9 partners for detecting the drugs before they reached inmates.
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