(Des Moines, IA) -- A recent search of the Clarinda Correctional Facility in southwest Iowa, uncovered what prison officials describe as a significant amount of evidence and material laced with the dangerous synthetic drug known at K-2 or synthetic marijuana, Investigators say it arrived to the prison thru the U-S mail, which is a national trend that jails and prisons have been battling across the country.
Cord Overton of the Iowa Department of Corrections says the search was prompted after a number of inmates suddenly showed signs and symptoms of drug use. The prison began placing those with observable symptoms on a restricted status for medical observation and investigation.
Earlier this week, investigators, security staff and K-9 officers from six Iowa prisons and Central Office coordinated a prison-wide investigation and search for illegal narcotics and narcotic-laced materials.
Approximately 60 inmates have been found to be involved in consumption, possession or the introduction of K-2.
Overton says investigators will turn over all evidence they collected to law enforcement for further investigation and prosecution of the inmates involved both inside and outside the prison.
He say efforts are also underway to adjust the mail system, to prevent contraband from getting behind bars.