Posted at 10:25 a.m., Friday, August 10, 2001

Drugs found in prison shakedown expansion

By Mike Gordon
and Jean Chow
Advertiser Staff Writers

Prison authorities found a small amount of illegal drugs today during a continued shakedown of inmates.

The shakedown, which began Wednesday, should be done today, said Clayton Frank, O'ahu Community Correctional Center warden.

Frank said an inmate at the prison's Laumaka Work Furlough Center was taken into custody after a white powdery substance was found with his belongings. The inmate's roomate, who failed a drug test after the search, also was being questioned, Frank said.

The furlough center, which was searched about 3:30 a.m. today, was not originally part of the shakedown, but prison officials decided to include the facility, Frank said. About 90 inmates are being housed at the furlough center, which is across the street from the prison.

A small amount of drugs thought to be crystal methamphetamine was found yesterday inside the prison.

Deputy Warden Francis Sequeira said the two inmates in the cell where the drug was found have been placed in a holding unit pending an investigation.

In addition, Sequeira reported that guards found an old, rusted handcuff key under the top layer of an inmate's desk. Officials will determine if the key is still functional.

Sequeira said that the prison is pleased with the way the shakedown has progressed.