In the past week, the Prison Administration of Latvia revealed that there have been five attempts to smuggle prohibited substances or items to inmates in both Liepaja and Riga prisons. In the new Liepaja prison, inspectors found small bags containing unknown substances sewn into winter jackets that were intended for delivery as clothing and hygiene supplies. Similarly, in Riga Central Prison, two €200 banknotes were discovered in a winter windbreaker sent via postal mail, and in two other cases, unknown substances were found on the sealing parts of envelope letters.

The discovery of these prohibited items underscores a significant security issue within the prison systems in Latvia, raising concerns about the methods used to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities. The authorities have emphasized the seriousness of these transgressions, as the delivery of prohibited substances and items to prisoners can lead to administrative or criminal penalties. Consequently, all seized items and substances have been surrendered to the State Police for further legal action.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining security within prisons, and it is likely to prompt further investigations into the smuggling networks operating both inside and outside the institutions. The Prison Administration's warning serves as a crucial reminder of the legal ramifications of attempting to source or deliver banned items to inmates, stressing the importance of vigilantly monitoring prison environments to prevent these activities in the future.