PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating a fatal overdose at Estrella Jail, where an inmate died in the early hours of February 14 amid a surge in drug-related incidents.
The unidentified inmate was one of four prisoners hospitalized around 1 a.m. following suspected overdoses. In total, 12 overdoses were reported at the Phoenix facility over the past week.
Drug Smuggling Suspected in Overdose Spike
Authorities believe the recent wave of overdoses stems from illegal narcotics smuggled into the jail near 27th Avenue and Durango Street.
During a cell search, detention staff discovered a substance believed to be fentanyl hidden inside an inmate’s cell. MCSO investigators suspect the drugs were smuggled into the facility by an inmate concealing them in her genitalia.
Estrella Jail, which houses up to 1,500 female inmates, accommodates both sentenced and un-sentenced detainees of various classifications.
MCSO Responds to Overdose Crisis
Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan acknowledged the growing drug problem inside the jail system and announced measures to combat smuggling.
“We are concerned about the recent surge of overdoses in our facility,” Sheridan said. “The safety of all individuals in our custody is a priority, and we have initiated the process of getting X-ray screening machines for each jail to help prevent these incidents.”
Investigators have identified multiple inmates as potential suspects and are considering future charges related to the smuggling operation.
MCSO’s investigation into the source of the fentanyl and how it entered the jail remains ongoing.
