Officers nab inmates smuggling drugs into jail

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett announced Wednesday evening that officers apprehended inmates smuggling illegal narcotics into the jail. The inmates attempted to bring the drugs into the jail by concealing them in their bodies.

In a news release, Puett said the busts came as a result of "good solid work by both members of the jail staff and drug investigators, as well as, body scanner technology." Puett added that officers seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, and pills.

Puett confirmed that charges have been submitted to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office on all individuals involved, including other inmates in the jail. The charges ranged from delivery of a controlled substance into a correctional facility and drug trafficking.

"We are committed to keeping both the staff and inmates safe," Puett said, adding that "specific charges were filed."

Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson will release more information.

News-Press NOW will update this story with more information as it becomes available.