RICHMOND, Va. -- The fourth inmate in less than three months died Saturday at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt.
“On Saturday, an inmate at Greensville Correctional Center was found unresponsive in his cell. He was given life-saving techniques, but the inmate did not survive. This incident is under investigation,” said VADOC Director of Communications Kyle Gibson.
CBS 6 investigative reporter Laura French was told three doses of Narcan were administered.
While the cause of Saturday’s death is still under investigation, the Virginia Department of Corrections said the three male inmates that died between July 30 and 31, overdosed.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, CBS 6 has learned Narcan use at Greensville has more than quadrupled since last year with upwards of 43 doses administered this year compared with just 10, in 2022. However, in 2021, 47 doses were given according to the VADOC.
According to CBS 6 sources, Greensville staff are still struggling to keep drugs from entering the prison.
CBS 6 has learned through sources in September that Narcan had to be administered to at least two inmates that were able to be revived and at least six were criminally charged for testing positive for drugs or being in possession of them.
Through FOIA, CBS 6 has obtained an email that was sent from a VADOC official to a number of wardens that states “significant changes" are coming regarding visitation and search procedures, both at Greensville and other state prisons.
CBS 6 asked the VADOC whether changes have been implemented yet at prisons and received the following response:
The VADOC’s mission is to safely provide effective incarceration in all of its facilities, which includes a zero tolerance policy towards drugs and other contraband.
VADOC Security Staff members, the Centralized Mail Unit, and Drug Task Force members play an active role in stopping the flow of drugs and contraband. Additionally, all employees are urged to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.
The VADOC is committed to continuing the fight against drugs, especially fentanyl, and other contraband in order to ensure long-lasting public safety for the people of the Commonwealth.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
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