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Catching Contraband: CHCF, Folsom find drugs, phone

January 14, 2026

Catching Contraband: At top right are the results of a cell search at Folsom State Prison. The other photos are the result of a nearly year-long CHCF investigation ending in the arrest of a person in the community.

Two institutions, California Health Care Facility (CHCF) and Folsom State Prison, reported recent contraband finds of drugs and a cell phone.

CHCF, federal investigators arrest civilian facilitator

A nearly year-long federal and state investigation resulted in the arrest of one person Jan. 7.

The investigation began Feb. 20, 2025, when the CHCF Investigative Services Unit (ISU) intercepted mail addressed to a person incarcerated at CHCF. The mail contained sheets of paper saturated in synthetic cannabinoid, better known as spice.

A joint investigation with the United Stated Postal Services (USPS) was initiated. Investigators discovered the same civilian facilitator had mailed over 25 packages to various CDCR institutions within a two-month timeframe. Mail was also sent to Avenal State Prison, Mule Creek State Prison, Correctional Training Facility, and Sierra Conservation Center.

Packages of contraband ready to be mailed into California prisons. — *Packages of contraband ready to be mailed to California prisons.*

The same civilian facilitator was identified as being the subject of a larger investigation with the United States Postal Inspector. The facilitator allegedly sent large quantities of methamphetamine to several states outside of California. As the investigation continued, CHCF ISU intercepted additional packages containing saturated mail from the civilian facilitator.

Investigators secured warrants for cell phone records, Cash App and banking. The resulting information further identified the civilian facilitator as using current CDCR inmates’ information for identity theft. The suspect created bank and Cash App accounts as well as registered vehicles under the stolen identities.

CDCR, USPS, DEA search residence

On Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, the USPS, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), CDCR Special Services Unit Fresno, and CHCF ISU conducted a search warrant at the facilitator’s residence.

The search found:

46 pounds of suspected methamphetamine
2.8 pounds of suspected heroin
546 grams of suspected cocaine

Additionally, investigators found $40,565 in currency and further evidence implicating the civilian facilitator in the introduction of controlled substance into CDCR facilities and identity theft.

The individual was taken into federal custody on an outstanding indictment. The person will also face felony charges on the state level.

Folsom officer finds drugs, cell phone

On Jan. 7 around 11 a.m., a Folsom State Prison correctional officer initiated a random search of a cell occupied by one incarcerated person. The search turned up drugs and a phone.

During the search, the officer discovered multiple bindles of suspected narcotics and a cellular telephone concealed within several plastic coffee creamer bottles and coffee containers.

The bindles contained 863.71 grams of butane hash oil (BHO) and 14.36 grams of heroin. The combined estimated prison value of the BHO and heroin is approximately $200,000. Folsom State Prison’s Investigative Services Unit is actively investigating the origin of the contraband.

Following the discovery, the incarcerated person was placed in the restricted housing unit after it was determined his presence in the general population would endanger institution security and jeopardize the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

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