Massive Drug Sweep Conducted at Five New York Correctional Facilities

Authorities have announced that various drugs were seized during a 10-day sweep at several prisons across Upstate New York.

Most of us are aware that there’s a serious drug problem in communities across the country, but drugs are also a major issue inside prisons. Officials in New York say they are continuing efforts to reduce the amount of narcotics being smuggled into correctional facilities, and recently conducted a series of drug sweeps at five prisons.

Drug Sweeps at Five New York Prisons

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) recently shared the results of a 10-day investigation carried out by its Office of Special Investigations (OSI).

According to a post on social media, OSI investigators and K9 units conducted separate facility sweeps at five prisons and recovered various amounts of narcotics.

The sweeps took place between February 21, 2026, and March 2, 2026, at the following facilities:

• Attica Correctional Facility in Attica, NY
• Elmira Correctional Facility in Elmira, NY
• Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, NY
• Greene Correctional Facility in Coxsackie, NY
• Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome, NY

Drugs Found During Prison Sweeps in Upstate New York

At Attica Correctional Facility, K9 searches led to the discovery of more than 100 grams of marijuana, 17 grams of a brown leafy substance, and one sheet of sprayed paper. Officials also seized additional marijuana along with MDMA pills and powder during similar sweeps at Elmira and Five Points Correctional Facilities.

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At Greene Correctional Facility, a K9 alerted officers to the possible presence of drugs on a minor who was visiting the facility. Following the alert, the child’s mother turned over a bundle of marijuana that had been in the child’s pocket to authorities.

Correction Officer Accused of Smuggling Contraband

Officials also revealed that during the sweep at Mohawk Correctional Facility, one of the K9 units alerted officers to a correction officer upon arrival at the facility. Investigators conducted a pat frisk and discovered the officer was in possession of two vape pens.

During a voluntary interview with investigators, the officer admitted to meeting with the family of an incarcerated individual on two occasions. The officer reportedly told investigators he was paid $7,500 to smuggle marijuana and two cell phones into the facility.

Authorities said the officer brought the items inside the prison hidden inside a lunch bag.

The officer, who has not been publicly identified, resigned from his position during the interview. It is currently unclear if the former officer will face any criminal charges.