BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – A contraband search operation at multiple Louisiana prisons led to the arrest of one person and a misdemeanor summons for three others.
The operation took place at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women, and the Dixon Correctional Institute on Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18.
According to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, authorities with the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office took Reegan Tripeaux into custody on Saturday on a charge of introduction of contraband.
Tripeaux’s arrest came after a narcotics dog searched her vehicle during a visit to Dixon Correctional Institute, officials said. They added that the dog discovered synthetic marijuana, a marijuana grinder, one semi-automatic pistol, 12 rounds of ammunition, and a bottle of Cayman Jack Alcohol.
The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office issued a misdemeanor summons to three visitors at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. Marijuana gummies, partially smoked marijuana cigarettes, and Xanax pills were seized from the visitors, officials said.
During the weekend operation, authorities said they searched more than 300 visitors to the state prison facilities.
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections has a warning for anyone looking to take contraband into state prisons.
“Last year, the department issued helpful guidance surrounding visitation protocols,” said Seth Smith, the chief of prisons. “We want to remind members of the public who wish to visit individuals who are incarcerated that they must follow these rules and regulations, and failure to do so will result in arrests and charges being filed.”
Items considered contraband include weapons, tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, controlled substances, pornographic images, tools that can help someone escape, explosive or flammable materials, and hazardous chemicals, officials explained.
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