PRISON HOUSING ISLE INMATES IN LOCKDOWN

Hawai'i inmates at the Red Rock Correctional Center in Arizona have
been locked down for 10 days during a top-to-bottom shakedown of the
prison prompted by two recent drug overdoses of Alaska inmates,
according to the Hawai'i Department of Public Safety.

About 65 Hawai'i inmates are housed at the private prison, but are
kept separate from the Alaska prisoners, said Public Safety Deputy
Director Tommy Johnson.

Teams provided by prison owner Corrections Corporation of America used
drug dogs as part of the search of all staff, program, recreational,
medical, kitchen and living areas. Investigators discovered three
grams of black tar heroin and a list detailing prices within the
prison for cigarettes, marijuana and other drugs, Johnson said.

The drugs were found in a part of the prison occupied by Alaska
prisoners, and no Hawai'i inmates were involved in any illegal drug
activity, he said. Three Alaska inmates were placed in disciplinary
segregation for introducing contraband.

Johnson said CCA investigators suspect the drugs were being smuggled
into the 1,596-bed prison via the mail, and have tightened up on mail
room procedures. The prison is expected to return to normal operations
Monday.