State Police say laboratory testing has confirmed multiple illegal substances were present in materials brought into the Mohawk Correctional Facility, as part of an ongoing contraband investigation.
The incident dates back to April 5, when troopers responded to the prison following a hazardous exposure involving correctional staff during visitor processing. Investigators determined that papers saturated with an unknown substance had been introduced into the facility.
Forensic analysis later identified several drugs on the materials, including AB-CHMINACA, cocaine, ketamine, PCP, and a synthetic cannabinoid known as MDMB-4en-PINACA, which is prohibited under New York law. Authorities say the substances were confirmed through multiple testing methods.
As a result of the investigation, 53-year-old Shondrea Taylor of Syracuse has been charged with first-degree introducing dangerous contraband into a prison, second-degree promoting prison contraband, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and fifth-degree conspiracy.
Police say the materials were intended for delivery to an incarcerated individual, and the investigation is ongoing to determine whether others were involved.
During the incident, several correction officers reported symptoms consistent with exposure to an unknown substance and were taken for medical evaluation. Investigators say there is not enough evidence at this time to link those symptoms to the substances for additional charges directly.
State Police are continuing the investigation alongside the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s Office of Special Investigations to determine the source of the drugs and any broader network involved.
