Inside Cook County Jail's Battle Against Drug Smuggling through the Mail

📦Detainees are using the mail system to smuggle drugs into Cook County Jail, leading to a surge in drug overdoses.

🔍Traditional methods of drug detection, such as dog sniffing, are ineffective against drugs soaked in paper.

💰A single sheet of paper soaked in chemicals can generate up to $1000 for detainees but pose a deadly risk.

📚Detainees are also using books and tablets for drug smuggling, prompting increased cell searches and restrictions.

🚓Cook County Jail has implemented measures to minimize paper drugs, including increased cell searches and tablet restrictions.

How are detainees smuggling drugs into Cook County Jail?

—Detainees are using the mail system to send drugs inside the jail.

Why are traditional drug detection methods ineffective against paper drugs?

—Drugs soaked in paper are challenging to detect because the paper necessary for communication is essential.

How much money can detainees make from a single sheet of paper soaked in drugs?

—A single sheet of paper soaked in chemicals can generate as much as $1000 for detainees.

Are detainees using methods other than the mail system to smuggle drugs?

—Yes, detainees are also using books and tablets for drug smuggling.

What measures has Cook County Jail implemented to combat paper drugs?

—Cook County Jail has increased cell searches, restricted tablet use for correspondence, and imposed paper restrictions.

00:00Cook County Jail is facing a surge in drug overdoses due to detainees using the mail system to smuggle drugs inside.

01:21Letters and books are being used by detainees to smuggle drugs into the jail.

02:51Cell searches inside the jail reveal attempts to get drugs through the mail.

03:38Paper restrictions have been implemented to minimize paper drugs.

04:56Tablets are being used by inmates for correspondence and are subject to scanning.

05:07Detainees are using books for drug smuggling, leading to increased cell searches.

05:09Cell searches now happen every week to combat drug smuggling.

05:58Cook County Jail is taking measures to minimize paper drugs, including increased cell searches and restricted tablet use.