By: Maria-Paula
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) through its Operations and Logistics Unit (ONU) Centralized Mail Unit, continues to fight against the attempted flow of drugs and other contraband by screening of mail as a way of stopping suspected drugs from entering facilities.
Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 15, 2023, the Centralized Mail Unit reports that it stopped 113 pieces of mail containing suspected drugs and spices which also test positive to legal mail testing from entering its facilities. In 2022, a total of 119 pieces of mail containing suspected substances were intercepted.
“Incoming mail presents another front in the war against drugs and contraband entering the department’s facilities. The Virginia Department of Corrections continues to remain vigilant in “This fight and continuously improves the screening process to discover new techniques smugglers use to attempt to disguise drugs in mail,” said VADOC Director Chadwick Dotson. From legal mail to books, packages, newspapers and even mail noted as religious, suspected substances can be disguised in many forms.
January to September, saw a total of 20 books and nine packages confiscated for suspected drugs.
For calendar year 2022, 19 books and five packages were confiscated for suspected drugs. Dotson appreciated the Centralized Mail Unit employees and the OLU for what he called their “tireless efforts in the fight against drugs and contraband”.
He added that an illegal substance free environment is necessary for a safe and effective incarceration, which will lead to lasting public safety in the Commonwealth. Although inmates may correspond with family, friends, attorneys, courts and other public officials and organizations by mail while incarcerated, all correspondence must comply with the VADOC procedures. VADOC is keen not to pose a threat to the facility’s security, violate any state and/or federal law, or violate any U.S. Postal Service regulation.