BARBOURSVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On Friday, October 6th, 2022, coordination between the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WV DCR) and the West Virginia State Police resulted in the interception of 123 individually wrapped suboxone strips, 7.3 grams of methamphetamine, and 16.3 grams of suspected K2 (synthetic marijuana) before the items reached the doors of the Western Regional Jail.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. on October 6th, an outside contractor responsible for delivering items to the jail was interviewed regarding the individual’s alleged participation in the trafficking of substances into the Western Regional Jail. Through further investigation, the WV DCR and the West Virginia State Police confirmed that large amounts of illegal substances were present on Western Regional Jail property. However, the substances had not yet infiltrated the jail at the time of law enforcement and corrections involvement.
The WV DCR and the West Virginia State Police immediately acted to prevent the drug trafficking attempt, and the investigation is ongoing.
“We are very proud of our staff at Western Regional Jail,” says Brad Douglas, Acting Commissioner of the WV DCR. “Their vigilance and dedication to their mission are commendable. We also greatly value the State Police and appreciate their assistance in this success.”
In West Virginia, any person that transports or attempts to transport any dangerous material or controlled substance onto the grounds of any jail, state correctional facility, juvenile facility, or juvenile detention center is guilty of a felony offense punishable by confinement in a state correctional facility. The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security is committed to the prosecution of any individual that traffics or attempts to traffic drugs into our facilities and will cooperate with law enforcement to bring the offenders to justice.
Prison and jail systems across the country are not immune to the drug epidemic. Fortunately, leadership within the WV Department of Homeland Security has remained committed to the safety and security of our facilities by being diligent in their detection and interception of illegal substances before they are introduced into WV jails and prisons.
“Over the years, we have taken many proactive steps in preventing drugs from entering our facilities,” says Cabinet Secretary Jeff Sandy. “This is a continuing effort directed by the Governor to eliminate illegal drugs from entering our state’s prisons and jails. From our body scanners to our mail program and our outstanding relationships with city, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we have made a difference over the past five years, reducing illegal drugs coming into our facilities. Our men and women in corrections are heroes.”
