Nine hospitalized after drug incidents at Attica Facility

Nine people were hospitalized following several incidents related to drugs at the Attica Correctional Facility in New York. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) reported that the situation began on Sunday when a staff search revealed a piece of paper with unknown substances. During the search, three correction officers began to feel lightheaded and dizzy. One officer vomited and all three were taken to a local hospital. Later that day, two inmates were found lying on the ground during their recreation time. They were treated with Narcan and also sent to the hospital. On Wednesday, a staff member opened an envelope that contained powder, leading to another illness. Both this employee and a nurse assisting were taken to the hospital as well. While the exact substances involved remain unclear, the presence of drugs in state prisons has been a growing concern among correctional officers. Many have expressed that these conditions make their jobs more dangerous. As a result of recent strikes by correctional officers, an agreement was reached. DOCCS is now required to find a vendor to screen mail in order to prevent drugs from entering the prison system. The incidents at Attica are currently under investigation.