‘Operation Shake Down’ leads to ‘large’ discovery of contraban in Tangipahoa Parish jail

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

AMITE, La. ( WGNO ) — A sweep of the Tangipahoa Parish Jail in Amite led to the discovery of several forms of contraband and two arrests.

Over the course of two weeks, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office said they carried out “OperationShake Down.” It is a full-scale search of the entire facility in partnership with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.

During the Sept. 19 search, deputies reportedly found multiple “improvised” weapons or shanks, a large amount of paper allegedly laced with synthetic THC or “Mojo,” suspected meth, prescription pills, tobacco, homemade alcohol, cash and a cellphone.

43-year-old Marques Harrison and 28-year-old Artrell Griffen were both arrested on a count each of introduction of contraband into a penal institution.

“To those involved with smuggling these items into the jail– both in the jail currently and outside of it– the game is over,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker.

New policies and procedures have been put in place as a result of the search to stop contraband from entering the facility.

Deputies say they are currently reviewing the trustee program that allows inmates the chance to do work outside the jail, as they believe it is the source of the breaches.

The investigation is ongoing and deputies say more arrests are expected.

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