Contraband Interdiction Continues

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

More than 1,900 Contraband Items Seized at Multiple State Prisons

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) continues to be steadfast in our mission of ridding facilities of illegal contraband through unannounced facility shakedowns.  Throughout August, GDC Tactical Squads, Immediate Response Teams, Investigators, and Agents conducted six unannounced shakedowns at Calhoun, Macon, Telfair, Johnson, Ware, and Rogers State Prisons resulting in the seizure of over 1,900 contraband items.

“The GDC is committed to eliminating illegal contraband inside our facilities and upholding our non-negotiable mission of protecting the public, “said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. “Through our unannounced shakedowns we have removed thousands of contraband items from the hands of offenders and will continue shakedowns at facilities throughout the state.”
 

As a result of these most recent shakedowns, the following illegal contraband was confiscated:

• 369 cell phones
• 309 cell phone chargers
• 1,280 weapons
• 2,230.9 grams of marijuana 
• 4,174.5 grams of tobacco 
• 182 grams of methamphetamine
• 205.32 ounces of alcohol 
• 309 pills
   

The GDC continually evaluates and implements security processes and methods to stop the introduction of illegal contraband.  In addition to full facility shakedowns, the GDC conducts “Quick Strike” health and wellness checks, has implemented state-of-the art technological systems, and made enhancements to our front-line and perimeter detection procedures. 

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising approximately 47,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit http://www.gdc.ga.gov.