Phoenix Jail Faces Drug Crisis: One Inmate Dead, Several Hospitalized After Overdoses
A troubling wave of drug overdoses has hit a Phoenix jail, resulting in one inmate's death and multiple hospitalizations. Over the span of just one week, twelve overdoses occurred at Estrella Jail, located near 27th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
"Having twelve overdoses in a single week is an alarming number. Even one overdose in a week is too many," said MCSO Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez.
A Week of Overdoses
The first major incident took place on February 6, when eight inmates overdosed and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Days later, on Friday at around 1 a.m., another four inmates suffered suspected overdoses and were also hospitalized. Tragically, one of them did not survive.
Sheriff Jerry Sheridan acknowledged the crisis in a statement, saying, "We are deeply concerned about this surge in overdoses within our facility. Ensuring the safety of every individual in our custody is a top priority, and we have already begun the process of acquiring X-ray screening machines for each jail to help prevent these incidents."
Drugs Smuggled Inside the Jail
Investigators suspect that at least two of the recent overdose incidents may be linked. Authorities believe that some of the illegal drugs making their way into the jail are being smuggled in through concealed body cavities, particularly by female inmates.
During recent cell searches, detention deputies discovered what is believed to be FYL inside an inmate’s possession. However, physically searching inmates for contraband presents significant legal and ethical challenges.
"It’s nearly impossible to conduct these types of searches on female inmates without violating legal and human rights regulations," Sgt. Enriquez explained. "We understand these limitations, so we must explore other ways to ensure both inmates and detention officers remain safe."
Detention officer Debera Herrera, a 15-year veteran of the MCSO, emphasized the difficulty of detecting drugs hidden within the body. "We can search cells, we can pat down individuals, but when they hide contraband in body cavities, it becomes incredibly challenging to detect," she said.
Herrera participated in recent searches and discovered FYL folded in a piece of paper hidden inside a desk’s charging port.
X-Ray Scanners and Increased Security
In response to the crisis, MCSO is working to introduce new X-ray scanners that will provide an additional layer of security.
“These scanners will allow us to detect contraband before it ever enters the jail,” Enriquez said. “Technology is constantly evolving, and we are using it to enhance safety for both inmates and officers.”
While the exact cost of the new security measures remains unknown, Enriquez stressed that financial concerns will not outweigh the need for safety. "There is no price too high when it comes to protecting inmates, our officers, and the community as a whole. We know it will be expensive, but it’s a necessary step."
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have identified several inmates connected to the overdoses, and charges are expected.
"This is an inmate-driven problem, at least in this particular case. It is not an issue caused by detention officers," Enriquez stated.
One of the individuals believed to be involved in the overdoses had been booked into custody on February 4—just ten days before the incidents began.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives look into additional methods that may have been used to smuggle drugs into the facility.
Meanwhile, detention staff has been placed on heightened alert, with increased monitoring and security measures in place to prevent further overdoses.
Source: AZ Family