East SBV Times

The West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, California, recently underwent a facility-wide search that led to the discovery of narcotics and weapons. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, the operation on March 2, 2024, involved personnel from the detention center, narcotics detection canines, and the Sheriff's Department Narcotics Division.

During the search, narcotics detection canines played a key role in identifying contraband. Sergeant A Collins from the Central Detention Center stated, "Narcotics detection canines successfully alerted the presence of narcotics within several pieces of U.S. mail that had been mailed to inmates housed at the facility. Narcotics detection canines also successfully alerted the presence of narcotics inside the inmate housing unit."

The investigation is ongoing to determine the type and quantity of narcotics recovered. The Sheriff-Coroner Department emphasized the importance of combating the smuggling of narcotics into correctional facilities, highlighting the necessity of ensuring the safety and security of both staff and inmates. Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus reaffirmed the commitment of detention staff to keeping the jails drug-free, stating, "The detention staff remains committed to staying vigilant in their efforts to keep our jails drug-free and will continue to utilize all available resources to achieve this goal."

The discovery of narcotics and weapons during the facility-wide search underscores the ongoing challenges faced by correctional facilities in preventing the spread of drug-related issues and maintaining a secure environment for all individuals involved.