Two Women Suspected of Sneaking Drugs to CMC Inmates

Two Women Suspected of Sneaking Drugs to CMC Inmates

Posted: Oct 03, 2013 9:32 PM PDTUpdated: Oct 03, 2013 9:32 PM PDT

By Rachael Laine, Reporter - email

KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News

 

 

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.- Two women accused of sneaking drugs into the California Men's Colony this past weekend have already been released. 

"What it appears is their intent were to introduce the drugs, give them to the inmate they were visiting, and usually from there the inmate distributes it for a large profit," said Lieutenant Frank Perez, California Men's Colony.

Authorities say Barbara Sabbath, 66, and Nandi Tate, 22, were separately visiting inmates at the prison Saturday when they were caught allegedly bringing in methamphetamine and marijuana. CMC officials won't release the details on how the drugs were smuggled, but according to a report from the Justice Department drugs have been passed to inmates through soda bottles, babies' diapers, clothing and even kisses.

"Prison value of drugs is approximately 10 times of that of street value, so a small amount of drugs in prison goes a long way in prison," said Perez.

Lieutenant Frank Perez says he is not authorized to release which woman brought in which drug, or how much, but he says prior to their visits, two separate search warrants were issued after they were tipped off.

"We cumulate information in a whole bunch of different ways. Whether it be through confidential information, intercepted phone calls that the inmates make on the public telephones, or intercepted mail," he said.

Both women were not able to get very far and were arrested in the visiting area. In all cases anyone visiting CMC, must pass through a metal detector.

"Staff do a basic overview of their clothing to make sure its appropriate. Our staff is trained on smells, sights, anything that seems unusual, people's behaviors, mannerisms," explained Perez.

Both suspects are facing a number of charges including bringing a controlled substance into prison.

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