SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — State officials have uncovered a drug smuggling operation within South Dakota’s prison system following a recent string of inmate deaths linked to overdoses.
The South Dakota Department of Corrections announced Wednesday that an internal investigation, conducted in collaboration with the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), exposed multiple methods used to smuggle drugs into correctional facilities. Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko said the contraband led directly to overdose deaths behind bars.
“We are stopping the flow of drugs into our prison facilities,” Wasko said in a statement. “We have identified and stopped methods used to introduce dangerous contraband that had a direct effect on the overdose deaths.”
Investigators identified three key methods used to traffic drugs into prisons:
- Counterfeit commercial packages concealing large quantities of drugs.
- Misuse of the privileged mail system, including fake legal mail.
- Drug deliveries during in-person visitation, including by friends and family, one of which is believed to have directly contributed to an inmate’s death.
Three inmates have died from overdoses in DOC custody this year, including two in May and one in February. Two of the deaths occurred at the Jameson Annex and one at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.
The DOC said it will not tolerate the introduction of drugs that endanger both inmates and staff. The investigation, which also involves the U.S. Postmaster General’s office, is ongoing. Officials say criminal charges will be pursued if warranted by the evidence.
As a result of the findings, the DOC has implemented non-contact visits in certain facilities and is considering expanding the policy systemwide. Additional changes are also under review.
“We are taking action to keep staff and inmates safe,” Wasko said.
South Dakota law classifies the delivery or attempted delivery of drugs to an inmate as a Class 4 felony, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Protests erupted outside the penitentiary in Sioux Falls last Friday, with demonstrators calling attention to prison conditions.
According to DOC records, the recent death brings the total number of deaths in custody this year to nine.
