Thurston County Jail inmate attempts to smuggle fentanyl in rectum, tried to swallow evidence

An inmate at the Thurston County Jail allegedly attempted to smuggle fentanyl through the jail in his rectum and tried to swallow the drugs after he was caught on Wednesday.

The inmate was already in custody at the jail for a domestic violence charge, and was being escorted through the facility when a corrections sergeant witnessed the inmate make “furtive movements,” Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders announced.

Sanders noted the inmate was restrained with his hands down the back of his pants as he was being escorted through the jail.

Suspect tried to hide drugs internally, then attempted to eat evidence

The sergeant intervened and realized that the inmate was attempting to shove a small amount of suspected fentanyl into his rectal cavity. The sergeant quickly grabbed hold of the inmate, and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the inmate attempted to eat the narcotics but was stopped by jail staff, according to Sanders.

The inmate was booked on new charges of possessing a controlled substance in a correctional facility. Thurston County Sheriff’s Office’s K9 Talia conducted a sweep of the inmates’ previous housing area.

The department did not mention if K9 Talia found any additional narcotics at the inmates’ housing area.

“Great job by corrections staff to remain attentive and prevent the fentanyl from being distributed through the facility, which would have undoubtedly resulted in overdoses,” Sanders stated.

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