Three women are facing charges after authorities say they tried to smuggle marijuana into Elmira Correctional Facility through the visitor processing area, with each attempt stopped by staff and a facility K9 unit.
According to officials, the first arrest happened on December 20, when a K9 alerted to a woman visiting from Buffalo. Investigators said she voluntarily handed over four bundles hidden inside her shirt. The packages contained about 50 grams of marijuana. She was turned over to the State Police and charged with promoting prison contraband in the second degree.
A second arrest followed the next day. A K9 alerted to a visitor from Rochester, who later surrendered two bundles concealed in her clothing. The bundles reportedly contained nearly two pounds of marijuana. She was transported to the State Police barracks in Horseheads and charged with promoting prison contraband in the second degree and unlawful possession of marijuana.
The third incident occurred on January 18. Authorities say a visitor from Port Jefferson arrived with her young children when a K9 alerted on one of the children. Investigators said they noticed a bulge in the child’s waistband and saw the woman attempting to conceal items. She turned over two bundles containing about 23 grams of marijuana, along with rolling papers and sheets of paper believed to be drug-soaked.
The woman was charged with three counts of promoting prison contraband in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child. She and her children were taken to the Horseheads barracks.
All three women were issued appearance tickets and released.
