Sayre, OK – Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says heightened security measures at the Beckham County Jail led to two separate contraband incidents being detected last week, preventing illegal items from entering the facility.
Sheriff Manning said the jail has remained on high alert following a recent fentanyl exposure involving a very small, previously undetected amount. As a result, procedures were adjusted to better detect even trace substances.
In the first incident, a male inmate was stopped before reaching the jail scanner. During the intake process, detention staff discovered a meth pipe during a pat down that had not been found by the arresting agency prior to transport.
Once inside the jail doors, possession of such items constitutes an attempt to bring contraband into the facility. The item was confiscated, a report was completed, and additional charges are expected.
In the second incident, the jail body scanner flagged an anomaly on a female inmate. According to Sheriff Manning, the detention deputy conducting the scan noticed irregularities and investigated further. The woman was found to be wearing three bras, and hidden between the layers was a small vial containing a white powdery substance.
When the deputy attempted to examine the area, the inmate tried to conceal the item by manipulating the fabric. The deputy recovered the vial and turned it over to the jail investigator. Additional charges are expected in that case as well.
Sheriff Manning praised his detention staff for their attentiveness and professionalism, emphasizing the importance of following procedures closely to keep both staff and inmates safe.
“These incidents show why our screening process matters,” Manning said. “My staff did an excellent job paying attention to detail and stopping contraband before it made it further into the facility.”
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