It was reported Wednesday that the Federal Correctional Institution in Waseca, a low-security facility for adult females, has been on lockdown for two weeks after nine residents were hospitalized for potential drug use, along with two staffers who were potentially exposed.
A 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Justice said the facility has faced challenges limiting drugs and other contraband from entering the population.
“This is a national issue that’s affecting corrections across the board,” Schnell said.
He added that synthetic cannabinoids can now be liquified and soaked into paper without leaving watermarks, which can then be mailed to residents and smoked. The drugs also may enter corrections facilities with the help of staffers who smuggle them in.
About a month ago, the Stillwater prison began a pilot project to photocopy mail to residents and provide the photocopies, rather than the original materials, to the recipients. Schnell said that practice has resulted in a reduction of incidents.
Star Tribune staff writer Jp Lawrence contributed to this report.
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