Elmira, NY – An officer assigned to the package room at
Elmira Correctional Facility found Synthetic Marijuana, commonly known as K2,
in a package mailed to an inmate
incarcerated at the maximum security prison.
On Friday, March 29, 2019, the facility received a package for an
inmate. The officer in the package room
became suspicious of one of the packages during processing. The package contained individually wrapped
granola bars. When the officer opened
the bar, he discovered a cellophane bundle containing a green leafy
substance. The substance tested positive
for Synthetic Marijuana. In total, 76
grams of Synthetic Marijuana, was seized in multiple granola bars. The contraband was placed into
evidence.
The inmate, who is serving a 24 year sentence after being
convicted in New York County in 2011 for Assault 1st, Burglary 1st, Assault 2nd
and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd, faces disciplinary charges and an
investigation into who mailed the package and from what location is
underway.
“Our members are working diligently to stop the flow of
contraband that is flooding our facilities.
Contraband seized inside prisons are at historic levels but
unfortunately not all contraband can be discovered. Last month 1.4 pounds of Synthetic Marijuana
was seized by officers at a Hudson Valley prison, furthering the need for a
Secure Vendor Program in each facility. This type of seizure is a common
occurrence in facilities across the state and it needs to be addressed by the
administration. “ – stated Joe Miano, Western Region Vice President.