GDC Contraband Interdiction Efforts Continue in 3rd Quarter

GDC Contraband Interdiction Efforts Continue in Third Quarter 2017

More than 7,000 items seized

FORSYTH, Ga. – The third quarter saw a seizure of 7,490 contraband items from inside our prisons. Our dedication to prevent and eradicate contraband from entering the walls of our facilities assists with maintaining the security and safety of our staff, offenders and the public. The methods that make this possible are continued improvements of our front line and technological efforts, as well as full prison shakedowns.

“It is because of the hard work of our officers and staff that we were able to intercept this amount of contraband from entering or remaining in the hands of offenders inside our prisons,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “I am proud of the commitment shown by these employees who have continued to remain vigilant in our fight to combat this ever-growing threat to the safety of our staff, offenders and citizens of Georgia.

Through the collaboration of our Office of Professional Standards, GDC Tactical Squads and K9 Units, the following items were confiscated between July and September 2017:

• 1,524 cell phones
• 617 cell phone chargers
• 2,047 handmade weapons
• 6,908.17 grams of marijuana (329 bags/balloons)
• 63,307.06 grams of tobacco (1,386 bags/balloons)
• 1,414.82 grams of methamphetamine (107 bags/balloons)
• 747 pills 
• 9,715.42 ounces of alcohol (696 bottles)
• 11 syringes
• 23 SIM/SD cards

The GDC also utilized shakedown operations to detect 1,443 items in the third quarter of 2017. A total of 11 shakedowns were completed at nine of the 33 state prisons.

Third quarter shakedown seizures included:

• 555 handmade weapons
• 343 cell phones
• 253 cell phone chargers
• 2,026.7 grams of tobacco (68 instances)
• 644.05 grams of marijuana (65 instances)
• 86.9 grams of methamphetamine (17 instances)
• 126 unidentified pills
• 1,150 ounces of homemade alcohol (11 instances)
• 7 SIM/SD cards
• 3 cell phone watches

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit http://www.gdc.ga.gov