By Heather Michon
Correspondent
Three people have been arrested for attempting to smuggle $80,000 worth of drugs into the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women (FCCW) in Troy.
Consquela S. Lester of Roanoke and Jennifer K. Robbins and Courtney S. Snidow, both of Pearisburg, were taken into custody by special agents from the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Office of Law Enforcement Services on Jan. 18.
“They were intercepted by VADOC corrections team members while attempting to visit inmates,” said VADOC in a statement. “Staff seized approximately 100 Buprenorphine and Naloxone strips worth an estimated $80,000.”
Also known under its brand name of Suboxone, the drug is used to treat the symptoms of opioid addiction. According to the Partnership to End Addiction, it can also provide users with a sense of euphoria.
Prisons all over the country are seeing a spike in Suboxone smuggling and abuse. Rather than pills, Suboxone is delivered on small strips to be placed under the tongue. This also makes them easy to smuggle inside clothing, papers, and other objects.
Lester is scheduled to appear in Fluvanna General District Court for a hearing on Jan. 28 and Robbins and Snidow on Febr. 11.
Two FCCW inmates are also facing charges in the case. Their names have not yet been released.
