Search Operation at West Valley Detention Center Uncovers Narcotics and Weapons
On March 2, 2024, a comprehensive search operation was carried out at the West Valley Detention Center, located at 9500 Etiwanda Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga, California. This facility-wide search involved a coordinated effort from the detention center staff, alongside the narcotics detection canines from the San Bernardino County Probation and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division.
The search operation was initiated as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of the facility, staff, and inmates by addressing the issue of contraband within the jail. The search yielded significant results, with the recovery of weapons and dangerous contraband from various locations within the detention center.
Key to the operation’s success were the narcotics detection canines, which played a crucial role in identifying the presence of narcotics. Alerts were raised in several instances, including within pieces of U.S. mail addressed to inmates and inside one of the inmate housing units. These findings underline the challenges faced by detention facilities in preventing the smuggling of narcotics and other prohibited items.
The investigation following the search is ongoing, with efforts focused on analyzing the recovered substances to identify the types and quantities of narcotics involved. This information will be vital in understanding the smuggling operations and implementing measures to counteract them effectively.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, under the leadership of Sheriff-Coroner Shannon D. Dicus, remains steadfast in its commitment to combating the introduction of narcotics into the correctional system. These efforts are not only aimed at maintaining order within the facilities but also at preventing the broader implications of drug use and overdoses among the inmate population.
This operation is part of a broader strategy employed by detention staff to stay ahead of smuggling attempts and to uphold a safe and drug-free environment within the county’s correctional facilities. The use of advanced detection tools, including narcotics detection canines, and the vigilance of the staff, are central to these ongoing efforts. The department continues to prioritize the utilization of all available resources to ensure the security and well-being of everyone associated with the West Valley Detention Center.
