Press Release  Massachusetts Department of Correction Announces Latest Results from Efforts to Prevent Drugs and Contraband in State Prisons

MILFORD — The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) today released new data highlighting the impact of its ongoing efforts to prevent drugs and other contraband from entering state correctional facilities. Through a multi-agency task force, enhanced operation protocols and targeted education, the DOC has intercepted significant quantities of synthetic cannabinoids and other illicit substances, resulting in several arrests.  

Correctional agencies nationwide face persistent challenges posed by attempts to introduce illicit substances into facilities, including K2 and synthetic cannabinoids, which threaten the health and safety of staff and incarcerated individuals. In Massachusetts, the DOC has responded with a multi-faceted strategy that combines enforcement, technology, staff training and education for the incarcerated population to raise awareness about the harmful effects of illicit substances. 

“Preventing dangerous drugs and contraband from entering state prisons is essential to protecting the safety and health of all who live and work across DOC facilities,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “The results of this joint effort led by the DOC and Massachusetts State Police demonstrate what is possible when law enforcement partners combine enforcement, intelligence and technology to disrupt illegal activity. I want to thank the DOC and MSP investigators assigned to this effort for their shared commitment to the safety and security of incarcerated individuals and DOC staff.”    

“Through collaboration and intelligence sharing with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, District Attorney’s Offices and federal partners, the DOC has successfully intercepted harmful substances from entering facilities while advancing the policies, safety measures, and technology that support our ability to detect and deter illegal activity,” said DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “These arrests underscore our commitment to holding accountable those who disregard the health and safety of our colleagues and those in our care. I’m grateful to DOC staff for their dedication and vigilance and commend our state and federal law enforcement partners for their invaluable support.”  

The DOC and Massachusetts State Police created a joint task force to detect, deter, and intercept illicit items being introduced into state correctional facilities.  

As of December 2, 2025, the DOC-State Police Task Force has: 

• Opened 26 cases in which arrests were made or charges were filed, the vast majority involving the delivery of drugs or contraband items to incarcerated individuals.
• Executed 15 state and 3 federal search warrants in partnership with federal and local law enforcement. 

Drugs and substances seized as a result of the Task Force’s work include:

• Synthetic cannabinoids: 110 pages
• Suboxone: 142 strips
• Oxycodone: 120 pills
• Fentanyl: 17 doses
• Heroin: 2 grams
• THC: 4.5 grams 

DOC investigators estimate that the seized cannabinoids alone have a value of more than $9 million.  

“This Task Force’s work reinforces the critical role law enforcement plays in disrupting trafficking networks that target correctional facilities. The strong partnership and coordination among the DOC and our federal and local partners have helped to keep millions of dollars’ worth of dangerous substances out of the state prison system,” said Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “The State Police is proud to support this effort and remains firmly committed to working with the DOC and our partners to detect, deter and investigate any attempts to introduce illicit drugs into DOC facilities.” 

Recent cases from 2025 illustrating these enforcement efforts include:

• MCI-Shirley (October 14, 2025): Investigators inspected a delivery addressed to an incarcerated individual and found a magazine with numerous pages that felt consistent with synthetic cannabinoids. Multiple pages tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids.
• MCI-Norfolk (October 7, 2025): During a search for suspected contraband, investigators discovered a stamp-sized piece of paper hidden in a housing unit closet area. The paper tested positive for K2.
• Old Colony Correctional Center (September 26, 2025): Investigators discovered an incarcerated individual in possession of a package wrapped in cellophane. Seven pieces of paper were located inside the package. All tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids.
• MCI-Shirley (August 2, 2025) While monitoring a visit, investigators observed a woman attempting to conceal an item in her mouth. A balloon was recovered containing 11 stamp-sized pieces of paper that tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids.
• MCI-Norfolk (May 13, 2025): Investigators discovered an incarcerated individual in possession of a large quantity of K2 that was hidden inside baby powder containers. In this case, investigators estimated the value of the K2 to be nearly $250,000.
• Old Colony Correctional Center (February 1, 2025): A Fall River woman was arrested and taken into custody by authorities. She was charged with delivering drugs or articles to a prisoner. She went to the facility to visit an incarcerated individual and was caught with synthetic cannabinoids.  

These cases remain under investigation by law enforcement.  

In addition to enforcement, the DOC has implemented comprehensive measures to prevent illicit substances from entering facilities and to educate the incarcerated population about the dangers of drug use, including K2 and synthetic cannabinoids. Key strategies include:

• Visitor screening: Visiting procedures require that visitors are pre-screened and approved to visit their loved ones.
• Mail security: All incoming non-privileged mail is photocopied before delivery to the incarcerated addressee.
• Canine detection: The use of specially trained canines to search and detect mail that may contain contraband.
• Attorney Verification System: The DOC implemented an Attorney Verification System with respect to privileged mail between attorneys and incarcerated individuals.
• Drug detection technology: The DOC utilizes the TruNarc machine for presumptive testing of K2 and other synthetic cannabinoids.
• Staff training: Staff are trained to recognize signs of K2 use and common smuggling methods, allowing for rapid intervention, and reducing the risk of medical emergencies and violence. Staff are also trained in the administration of Narcan.
• Education for incarcerated individuals: The DOC has increased educational programming and awareness campaigns on the dangers of all drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids, and the impact of substance use on health, behavior, rehabilitation, and parole prospects. 

The DOC also maintains strong working relationships with state and federal law enforcement partners to support our efforts to deter drugs and contraband from entering DOC facilities.  

To further protect the health and safety of correction officers, staff, and incarcerated individuals, the DOC implemented the Unknown Substance Response Policy, including the purchase of new personal protective equipment to keep our personnel safe while responding to incidents or investigating the presence of illicit substances. 

In addition, the DOC has an expansive portfolio of programs that support members of our housed population who are suffering from substance use disorder. Individuals take part in clinical support groups, educational programs and the Correctional Recovery Academy, an intensive 6-month skill-based residential substance use education program available across multiple DOC facilities. Twelve DOC facilities have accredited opioid treatment programs with accreditation for the final DOC facility currently underway.  

The DOC will continue to adapt its strategies and invest in measures that prevent illicit substances from compromising the health, safety, and security of Massachusetts correctional facilities. 

###