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Opioid strips discovered in book spine shipped to inmate at Virginia state prison

Crystal Graham
opioid crisis
Photo Credit: Robert Wilson

The Virginia Department of Corrections discovered 36 strips of buprenorphine located within the spine of a book being sent to an inmate housed at Red Onion State Prison in Wise County.

On Dec. 12, the discovery was made by VADOC’s centralized mail unit. Buprenorphine is an opioid used to treat opioid use disorder, acute pain and chronic pain.

VADOC’s Centralized Mail Distribution Center has stopped more than 100 pieces of mail containing suspected drugs from entering facilities this year

“I would like to thank the VADOC’s Centralized Mail Distribution Center employees for preventing this item from getting into our facility,” said Director Chad Dotson. “The department will continue to work to prevent the entry of drugs and contraband into all facilities, fostering a safe and secure environment for both employees and inmates.”

The VADOC is actively investigating this incident.

No additional information is available.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.