Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Uncovers Drug Smuggling Operation at Hamilton County Jail | Local News

Five people are charged with attempting to smuggle contraband into the Hamilton County Jail, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

A joint investigation by HCSO Criminal Investigative Services and Hamilton County Corrections Services uncovered the organized smuggling operation. The plan was to release one person from jail and then re-arrest them later, according to a news release. At this point he would be smuggling contraband into the prison. Instead, correctional security officers found and intercepted the contraband.

According to HCSO, authorities seized the following:

• 12 bundles of suspected blue fentanyl
• 6 Suboxone strips (helps treat drug addiction)
• 35 strips of Toon Paper (papers infused with THC)
• Blue powder suspected to be fentanyl
• Approximately 20 blue fentanyl tablets

Brian Stone, Diamond Smith, Kelsey Gray, Justin Finley and Wendy Hughes are all charged with conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal institution, possession of fentanyl for resale and possession of Suboxone for resale.

Sheriff Austin Garrett announced in a statement that his department takes security at the Hamilton County Jail seriously.

“This incident highlights the constant threat from those who seek to undermine our efforts to maintain a safe environment. I am grateful for the joint efforts of our criminal investigation and corrections officers to successfully stop this smuggling operation. Your unwavering commitment to maintaining integrity.” “The design of the facility has undoubtedly averted potential risks and protected the well-being of inmates and staff alike,” the sheriff said.