Senators to vote on bill that would close prison contraband 'loophole'

Just this year alone, there've been multiple alarming incidents of inmates getting their hands on drugs inside the Department of Corrections prison. 

Notably in March, an inmate was found dead in his cell. The autopsy revealed fentanyl and meth in his system. 

In June, a prisoner was found with more than 100 grams of meth causing the feds to get involved.

Then in July, the Mangilao facility was put on lockdown for several days after a gun was smuggled in. During that investigation, according to public testimony by DOC Director Fred Bordallo, an inmate tested positive for THC. 

“A part of our investigation is that, and a lot of it is ongoing too, we drug test our employees, we drug test the inmates in that Post 5 area in the incident of the smuggled firearm. Two inmates refused to be drug tested. That also shows there’s some suspicion why they refused,” said Bordallo. 

So it’s no secret that contraband continues to infiltrate the secure facility, but what’s being done and are there any consequences? 

Under current Guam Law, the prison does not have the ability to penalize inmates who use or are under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol while incarcerated. 

It’s a “loophole” Senator Telo Taitague is hoping to close with her bipartisan Bill 293. 

It has the support of the DOC Director who hopes it can serve as a deterrence as the prison continues to face numerous incidents. 

“There was one even recently after visitation they found the drug inside his mouth,” said Bordallo. “Unfortunately, because we just recently had inmates eligible to work in outside employment, three of the inmates were eligible for that and they were screened. Two of them when they came back, we drug tested them just to make sure they’re clean. Those two tested positive on crystal meth and were removed from the program.”

Those prisoners only get “disciplinary action.”

With taitague amending the bill on the session floor, if the bill passes, those caught using or under the influence will have 90 days added to their sentence. 

The measure received support from colleagues and will be up for a vote. 

During session today, senators moved forward several more bills and resolutions pertaining to the firing range on Ritidian, a request for an unclassified assessment of the missile defense system and a cabotage exemption. 

Session was recessed until 2 p.m. tomorrow where senators are expected to move on to the third reading and voting file.