Catching Contraband: Discoveries in November

December 3, 2025

At the bottom are contraband materials and weapons found at High Desert State Prison. Above are finds from Pelican Bay State Prison including a cell phone charging block, melted plastic sharpened to a point, a cell phone, and sharpened metal.

Thanks to the efforts of staff, contraband was discovered at two prisons in November: High Desert and Pelican Bay.

Weapons, contraband found at High Desert State Prison

Throughout November, High Desert State Prison staff conducted investigations and searches of cells and common areas. Staff discovered manufactured weapons and other contraband items.

Weapons, phones found at Pelican Bay State Prison

Custody staff at Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City turned up numerous weapons during searches. Throughout November, staff found multiple manufactured weapons and other contraband items including two cell phones, two SIM cards, and one cell-phone charger block. Some of the weapons were made from fan blades, melted and sharpened plastic, as well as strips of metal measuring up to nine inches long.

Contraband round-up compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor

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