Correction officers intercepted suspected drugs, cellphones and weapons during a series of recent incidents at New York correctional facilities, including cases that led to inmate overdoses and visitor arrests.
The incidents were reported at Collins, Attica and Mid-State correctional facilities, where officers recovered fentanyl-laced paper, marijuana, razor blades, cellphones and suspected narcotics during separate searches and security checks.
At Collins Correctional Facility, an officer conducting a routine perimeter patrol May 29 found four vacuum-sealed bags inside the facility’s fence. The package contained three cellphones, charging blocks and cords hidden inside black socks, along with a green leafy substance, yellow waxy substance and yellow liquid suspected to be illegal drugs.
Officials said it remains unclear whether the package was dropped by drone or thrown over the fence. The suspected narcotics were sent for laboratory testing, and the investigation is ongoing.
Three days later, staff at Collins responded to two suspected overdose incidents involving inmates. One inmate was found unresponsive in a dormitory hallway, while another became incoherent and combative in a housing area.
Multiple doses of Narcan were administered before both inmates regained consciousness. They were taken to Erie County Medical Center for further treatment.
At Attica Correctional Facility, two visitors were arrested June 7 after allegedly attempting to bring contraband into the prison. In the first case, a body scanner detected abnormalities during screening, leading officers to find bundles of marijuana concealed in a visitor’s clothing and in the visitor processing area.
Later that day, another visitor triggered the body scanner. Officers said they found four metal razor blades hidden beneath the woman’s wig after a pat frisk.
Both women were taken to State Police barracks in Warsaw and charged with second-degree promoting prison contraband.
At Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy, an officer conducting a routine pat frisk March 26 found pieces of sprayed paper hidden inside a chewing tobacco can carried by an incarcerated person. Laboratory testing later confirmed the presence of fentanyl.
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association said the incidents reflect a broader pattern of contraband and synthetic drugs entering prisons. Union officials also renewed criticism of the HALT Act, arguing that limits on discipline and separation have made it harder to deter drug trafficking and other dangerous activity inside facilities.
Union leaders said officers involved in the searches and emergency responses likely prevented more serious outcomes by intercepting contraband and providing medical aid during overdose incidents.
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