The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is grappling with a series of drug overdoses at its facilities, including a sequence of incidents at Estrella Jail that prompted a call for better detection methods. A duo of inmates at Estrella Jail experienced overdoses last night and were sent to the hospital, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. This comes on the heels of a string of overdose cases that saw one inmate's death and 11 others hospitalized over the past two weeks.
The MCSO ties these overdoses to drugs – suspected to be fentanyl – that were undetected and smuggled into the jail, sometimes concealed in intimate areas that evade easy detection. "MCSO Detention staff conducted thorough cell searches and uncovered quantities of what is believed to be fentanyl in possession of an inmate. The drugs were hidden in the individual’s genitalia, making detection problematic and impossible," the office stated, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. This problematic trend indicates focused efforts by inmates to introduce illicit substances into the jail environment.
In revealing the depth of the issue, Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez highlighted a stark reality. "12 overdoses in a week is extremely high," he expressed in an interview with 12 News. Detectives are delving into whether any other inmates may be implicated.
In reaction 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 slips past current screening protocols, which include body scanners for inmates and pat-downs conducted by corrections officers. This initiative comes after a change in policy by Sheriff Jerry Sheridan earlier this year, which ceased the scanning of staff members. "We hire the best employees on the planet, and I trust every single one of them," Sheriff Sheridan had stated when defending the decision not to body scan employees, as noted by FOX 10 Phoenix.
Amidst this struggle to maintain a drug-free facility, the MCSO remains vigilant. While investigations continue and new technologies are set to be installed, the MCSO reaffirms its commitment to the safety of individuals in custody and the prevention of future smuggling attempts.
