Is Jail Neglect a Widespread Problem in Texas?-Pt.17
Is it Jail Neglect when Jails Don’t Stop Drugs from Being Smuggled In?
There is currently a huge threat to our nation in the form of non-prescription fentanyl, which is the strongest of all opioids. It is taking the lives of many young people, and detainees in jails often overdose on fentanyl they obtain while incarcerated. Fortunately, many jails, including in Texas, keep a remedy called “Narcan” handy, which can often save the lives of people who have overdosed on opioids.
However, not every detainee who is poisoned by fentanyl is revived by Narcan. Because of the danger, families of detainees are justified in wanting jails to keep potentially dangerous substances from inmate access.
After two fentanyl deaths occurred in Harris County Jail in Houston, Texas, last year, members of the community have questioned how dangerous substances are getting into the jail. Many demanded an outside investigation to determine how detainees are provided with access to fentanyl and other drugs.
A Detainee in Harris County Dies from an Overdose of Fentanyl and Other Drugs
On his sixth day of incarceration in Harris County Jail, Texas, a 64-year-old detainee died, and the subsequent autopsy revealed fentanyl and other drugs were in his system. He was housed at the 701 N San Jacinto St facility in Houston.
Learn more in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, and Part 16 of this continuing series.
Providing municipal and county jail detainees in Texas with helpful resources is one of this website’s purposes. Suggesting that a person or entity has engaged in wrongdoing is never intended.
–Guest Contributor
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