Corrections secretary acknowledges illegal drug smuggling in jails

Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR by its initials in Spanish) Secretary Ana Escobar Pabón acknowledged on Tuesday that a problem exists in island jails regarding the entry of illegal substances through drones, and officials who turn a blind eye.

She said the agency is trying to deal with the problem. Her remarks were made after a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 34 individuals with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances within the Puerto Rico prison system, and other offenses, including charges relating to four overdose deaths.

“I hope that all those who have participated in this illegal activity are separated from the correctional system as soon as possible. Both inmates and DCR employees,” the official said. “The corruption within the agency does not honor us.”

According to court documents released on Tuesday, the defendants distributed fentanyl, suboxone, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and synthetic marijuana within DCR facilities. Members of the drug organization smuggled the drugs into the jails using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) that carried packages containing the illegal substances. Other smuggling methods included the use of legal mail, family visits, official corruption/indifference, catapulting or throwing drugs into the prison yards, and hiding drugs inside other items brought into the prisons such as PlayStations, remote controls, food items and bags of ice.