By Diane Mwai
The Alabama Department of Corrections Special Services arrested multiple individuals over the weekend on drug trafficking and contraband charges in state prisons, according to officials.
The arrests occurred at Fountain Correctional Facility in Escambia County and Montgomery Women’s Facility, where correctional officers and K-9 units intercepted visitors allegedly attempting to introduce illegal substances into the prisons.
During a scheduled visitation at Fountain Correctional Facility on March 15, ADOC officers noticed visitor Leigh Culwell exhibiting strange behavior.
A search led to the discovery of approximately 78 grams of synthetic narcotics, approximately valued at $3,900.
Culwell was taken into custody and transported to Escambia County Jail, where she was charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled Substance, trafficking in synthetic narcotics, and promoting prison contraband second degree.
Second Incident
The next day, officers observed questionable behavior by visitors Angela McLain and JaDiamond Bolden.
Upon further investigation, officers found 62 grams of synthetic cannabinoids, valued at approximately $3,100, along with 136 grams of marijuana, with an approximate value of $2,700.
Both individuals were arrested and taken to Escambia County Jail.
McLain and Bolden were charged with trafficking in synthetic cannabinoids, distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana first degree, and promoting prison Contraband second degree.
Third Incident
On the same day, Montgomery Women’s Facility officers noticed visitor Christopher Farris acting suspiciously and contacted ADOC K9 officers for assistance. As Farris left visitation and walked towards his vehicle, he attempted to discard a hidden item from his pants.
Officers recovered the discarded item they later identified as Suboxone strips, a controlled substance used to treat opioid addictions.
Farris was arrested and taken to the Montgomery County Jail, where he was charged with possession of a controlled substance, promoting prison contraband second degree, and conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime (distribution).
