MCSO investigating drug smuggling at Estrella Jail after inmate dies of overdose

PHOENIX — An inmate died of a fatal overdose at the Estrella Jail in Phoenix in the early hours of Valentine’s Day, authorities said.

This incident was one of 12 overdose cases in the last week, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).

She was one of four inmates who were rushed to receive medical care around 1 a.m. on Feb. 14 after reports of a suspected overdose.

Background of fatal overdose at Estrella Jail in Phoenix

Investigators believe the recent overdoses were the result of undetected smuggling of illegal narcotics into the jail near 27th Avenue and Durango Street.

Detention staff thoroughly searched the cells and found a drug they believe to be fentanyl hidden in an inmate’s cell, MCSO said.

The inmate is suspected of smuggling the drugs into the jail by hiding them in her genitalia, authorities said.

Authorities believe the drugs they discovered contributed to the recent spike of overdoses at Estrella Jail, which has room for about 1,500 inmates. It houses “all classifications of un-sentenced/sentenced female inmates,” according to the MCSO website.

What are authorities doing in wake of fatal overdose at Phoenix jail?

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said authorities are investigating the smuggling of drugs into jails in the wake of the 12 recent overdoses.

“We are concerned about the recent surge of overdoses in our facility,” Sheridan said in a Monday news release. “The safety of all individuals in our custody is a priority and we have initiated the process of getting X-ray screening machines for each jail to help prevent these incidents.”

Investigators identified inmates as potential suspects and are working to determine future charges, MCSO said.

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