February 09, 2018
GDC Contraband Interdiction Efforts Continue in Fourth Quarter 2017
Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier
Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath
More than 9,000 items seized
FORSYTH, Ga. – In keeping with our commitment to eradicate the state’s prison system of contraband, the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) seized a total of 9,315 items of contraband from inside our prisons in the fourth quarter of 2017. Efforts to eliminate contraband have been made possible through continuing improvements and enhancements of front line and technological methods, as well as full facility shakedowns.
“I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of our officers and staff which led to the seizure of these items” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “Their commitment has helped to ensure the safety of our staff, offenders and the citizens of Georgia.”
Through the collaboration of our Office of Professional Standards, GDC Tactical Squads and K9 Units, the following items were confiscated between October and December 2017:
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1,484 cell phones
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718 cell phone chargers
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2,606 handmade weapons
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8,164 grams of marijuana (357 bags/balloons)
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157,866.53 grams of tobacco (2,019 bags)
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552 pills
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4,112 ounces of alcohol (40 bottles)
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33 syringes
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18 SIM/SD cards
The GDC also utilized shakedown operations to detect weapons, cell phones and narcotics during the fourth quarter of 2017. A total of 27 shakedowns were completed at 16 of the 33 state prisons.
Fourth quarter shakedown seizures included:
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1,018 handmade weapons
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275 cell phones
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1,554 grams of marijuana (81 incidents)
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196.5 grams of methamphetamine (11 incidents)
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1,788.84 grams of tobacco (79 incidents)
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3,248 ounces of alcohol (24 bottles)
For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.