PORTLAND (WGME) -- "Drugs in prison are like pouring gasoline on a fire." That is a direct quote from a Maine prosecutor. Corrections officers are on the front lines trying to keep drugs out of Maine's jails and prisons. This is a day inmates dread, when they and their belongings are searched for drugs, shivs, and illegal contraband.
A tip from an informant led to this jail shakedown. One search team hit the jackpot in this cell. Both inmates who bunk here will lose a number of privileges. How long, depends on the severity of what is found.
State law mandates jails be searched once a year. But the Cumberland County jail does at least four of these a year at random times. Shepherds can sniff out nine types of illegal drugs.
It will take several hours, but the entire jail will be searched, all the cells, open areas, even the kitchen.
Related Stories
- More Local News
- National News
- International News
- Maine gov. signs suicide prevention education bill
- House to debate Maine hospital debt repayment
- Northern Maine paper mill to get new owner
- NH's Shea-Porter introduces pipeline amendment
- Maine psychologist pleads guilty to fraud
- 2 lawsuits filed against Maine Catholic church
- State determines OOB employee retaliated against
- LePage: Eliminate Maine's income tax
- Central Maine Power sued by contractor for $43M
- Defendant in Lewiston fork stabbing freed
Pump Patrol Gas Card Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win a $100 Irving Oil Gift card!
No Text Zone
Help make our roads safe and you could win prizes!
WGME Top Stories
Business News
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
"DANCING WITH THE STARS"
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Zendaya or Kellie Pickler will be winning the mirrorball trophy.
Get This
GW-GYM FLOOR
WASHINGTON (AP) -- George Washington University students will soon be walking all over the White House and the Capitol, too.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: iPHONE RECOVERED AFTER THEFT IN OREGON
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A smartphone, plus a not-so-smart criminal -- equals an arrest in Oregon.

