The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is tackling a series of drug overdose at the facility, including a series of incidents at the Estrella prison, and is looking for a better detection method. The duo of prisoners at Estrella prison experienced an overdose last night and were sent to the hospital. Fox 10 Phoenix. This comes just after the death of one prisoner and a series of overdose cases in which 11 people have been hospitalized over the past two weeks.
The MCSOs have linked these overdose to drugs suspected of fentanyl, smuggled into prisons, and hidden in intimate areas that sometimes avoid simple detection. “MCSO detention staff conducted a thorough cell search and revealed the amount of what is believed to be fentanyl in the prisoners. The drug is hidden in the individual’s genitals and is detected. “It’s become impossible due to the issue,” the office said. Fox 10 Phoenix. This problematic trend illustrates a focused effort by prisoners to introduce illicit substances into prison environments.
In clarifying the depth of the problem, Sgt. Joaquin Henriquez emphasized the harsh reality. “12 overdoses in a week are very high,” he said in an interview with 12 News. Detectives are digging into whether other inmates are involved.
In response to these events, MCSO disclosed plans to implement advanced X-ray screening machines as an additional measure. These machines are intended to assist in the detection of contraband that slides current screening protocols, including body scanners and putdowns performed by the Modification Officer. The initiative stopped scanning staff after policy changes by Sheriff Jerry Sheridan earlier this year. “We employ the best employees on the planet, and I trust them all,” Sheriff Sheridan said when defending his decision not to scan employees. Fox 10 Phoenix.
The MCSO is on alert amid this struggle to maintain drug-free facilities. The investigation will continue and new technologies will be installed, but the MCSO will reaffirm its commitment to personal safety in detention and preventing future smuggling attempts.
