"We're tossing it one inch at a time," said interim state Department of Public Safety Director Jim Propotnick. "There's been a spike in the prison populaton, and it's a good time to take stock."

The medium-security facility was locked down at 8:30 a.m. as authorities began their search with the help of five dogs.

New Halawa warden Clayton Frank said the prison population has increased from 1,238 inmates to 1,287 inmates in the 3 1/2 weeks he has been at the facility. A shakedown gives prison officials a chance to inspect rooms and look for defects that could compromise security, Frank said.

Frank confirmed officials have recovered contraband but declined further comment.