CAPE VINCENT, NY – Four officers became ill after becoming exposed to Synthetic Marijuana in the package room at the medium security facility.
The incident occurred on Friday, May 24, at approximately 11:30 a.m. An officer assigned to the package room was processing a mailed package for an inmate. The officer discovered a green leafy substance inside of a green bell pepper.
The substance was taken as evidence and tested positive for Synthetic Marijuana, commonly known as K2.
After the K2 was removed, a sergeant and three officers developed symptoms believed to be related to the exposure of the K2. One officer had burning in his throat and lungs. Another officer felt nauseous. A third officer had significant coughing.
All effected staff were treated by medical staff at the facility. The sergeant and two officers were transferred to local hospitals for further treatment.
“Keeping contraband and illegal drugs out of correctional facilities continues to be an uphill battle for staff. Without a Secure Vendor Program in place there is no way to successfully keep contraband from making its way inside prisons. Mailed packages will continue to flow into facilities with dangerous drugs like K2 hidden inside. This creates an extremely dangerous situation when our members get exposed to these dangerous drugs and become ill as a result. ” – stated Scott Carpenter, NYSCOPBA Central Region Vice President.
