When I served on the Illinois House Prison Reform Committee, I repeatedly chastized prison officials for allowing drugs to get behind the walls.
The drugs either came in with the guards, visitors or vendors, I figured.
I was also told at one prison drug-filled soda pop cans were tossed over the fence on Sunday afternoon and picked up on Monday morning.
Now there is a new source: mail soaked with drugs.
From the Illinois Center:
Republican legislators continue concerns over drugs in Illinois prisons
By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – A state lawmaker said at least nine inmates have died in Illinois prisons since May, with half being linked to fentanyl overdoses.
Last week, House Republicans urged the Illinois Department of Corrections to halt physical mail after reports of paper being laced with illicit substances was being smoked by inmates. State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, said he was given the “Springfield two step” with no answers by department officials.
“They’re putting the cost of a copy machine ahead of the health and safety of their employees and it is unacceptable,” Niemerg said last Wednesday.
IDOC said in a statement they have a suspicious substance emergency procedure in place, are intensifying mail screenings and encourage the use of personal protective equipment when handling mail.
“While we are actively exploring additional options to enhance safety, measures are in place to address potential risks associated with mail handling in our facilities,” the department said in a statement last week.
On Tuesday in Springfield, Republican state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said IDOC Acting Director Latoya Hughs should resign.
“But more than that, if she doesn’t resign, we’re going to come back in lame duck, she should not be confirmed,” Bryant said.
Legislators return to Springfield for lame duck session Jan. 2.
