While many precautions are taken when a new person enters the Larimer, Boulder, or Grand County Jail, there is always a chance that they could slip something in undetected. This seems to be what occurred in the Denver County Jail as five inmates required medical treatment for suspected cocaine overdoses. Upon entering the facility, inmates go through a metal detector and must change into the provided jail attire, but they are not stripped search unless there is reasonable suspicion that an inmate has a weapon, drugs, or some other sort of contraband on his person. Apparently, someone was hiding something because at least five of the inmates were able to get their hands on some cocaine. If the person who brought the drugs into the facility is ever discovered, they would be facing First Degree Introduction of Contraband.
Larimer County Introduction of Contraband Lawyer: What is the Definition of Introducing Contraband in the First Degree?
The Colorado law definition of Introducing Contraband in the First Degree – C.R.S. 18-8-203 – is:
(a) Introduces or attempts to introduce a dangerous instrument, malt, vinous, or spirituous liquor, as defined in section 12-47-103, C.R.S., fermented malt beverage, as defined in section 12-46-103, C.R.S., controlled substance, as defined in section 18-18-102 (5), or marijuana or marijuana concentrate, as defined in section 27-80-203 (15) and (16), C.R.S., into a detention facility or at any location where an inmate is or is likely to be located, while the inmate is in the custody and under the jurisdiction of a political subdivision of the state of Colorado or the department of corrections, but not on parole; or
(b) Being a person confined in a detention facility, makes any dangerous instrument, controlled substance, marijuana or marijuana concentrate, or alcohol.
According to the definition provided within the law, ‘controlled substance’ means:
As you can see, cocaine is clearly included within the controlled substance definition, making bringing it into any Colorado county jail, including the Larimer County Jail, an Introduction of Contraband.
Fort Collins First Degree Introducing Contraband Lawyer: What is the Sentence / Punishment for Introducing Contraband?
As a class 4 felony in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Introduction of Contraband in the 1st Degree is punishable by 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $500,000 in fines. This means that the person who brought in the cocaine may have been incarcerated for a low level misdemeanor like Harassment, facing a maximum sentence of 6 months in the Denver County Jail, and if caught, could be instead looking at losing years in prison.