By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
LIVE OAK, Fla. — An unannounced sweep of a Florida prison involving multiple agencies revealed weapons, drugs, cellphones and other contraband items, the Florida Department of Corrections said.
The large-scale search at Suwannee Correctional Institution, dubbed “Operation Fall Harvest,” uncovered:
- 59 weapons
- 25 cell phone chargers
- 7 cell phones
- Cell phone accessories
- 19 gallons of homemade alcohol
- 13 grams of synthetic marijuana
- 26 grams THC
- 44 grams methamphetamine
- 1 THC vape pen
- 3 security bits
- 1 Allen wrench
- $300 in cash
The Nov. 21 search involved multiple FDC Contraband Interdiction Unit K-9 teams, rapid response teams, community corrections (probation) officers, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Florida Office of the Inspector General and the Suwannee County Sherriff’s Office.
“Our staff conduct operations such as these throughout the year to target dangerous contraband and keep our facilities safe,” said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon. “What makes today unique is the ability to include our tremendous partners in this endeavor. These agencies work alongside us to keep Florida safe and free from illegal activity in pursuit of those who wish to jeopardize our safe communities. I cannot thank all involved enough for the work you do and for joining us today.”
“This operation reinforces our zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and contraband, protecting correctional officers, inmates and communities across Florida,” FDC said in the press release.