Overdoses surged in Michigan prisons. Drug-soaked paper is to blame.

Key Points:

• Michigan prisons face a growing issue with inmates smoking paper soaked in synthetic drugs and wasp spray, a practice known as "wasping," which has caused sickness among inmates and staff and at least one inmate death.
• Synthetic cannabinoids, particularly K2, are the primary drugs involved in this contraband, leading to a surge in overdoses and deaths within the prison system, with overdoses increasing nearly tenfold since 2016.
• Efforts to curb drug-soaked paper smuggling include stricter mail policies, banning hardcover books, increased use of scanners, and enhanced screening, but the problem persists due to the ease of concealing drugs on nearly any paper within facilities.
• The Michigan Department of Corrections has increased its contraband prevention budget and continues to implement new technologies and policies, although challenges remain as the methods of drug smuggling and substances involved continue to evolve.
• Prison staff are also at risk from exposure to toxic fumes during cell searches, highlighting occupational hazards linked to the smuggling and use of drug-soaked paper inside prisons.