Western Virginia Regional Jail in the process of getting mail screener machine

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ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - The Western Virginia Regional Jail is in the process of getting a mail screening machine to detect drugs.

The jail banned photos and drawings after finding inmates received them soaked in drugs.

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However the problem doesn't stop there.

"It's a variety of different mail items that come through whether it be letters or colored pictures whether it be typed items anything that comes in the mail has the potential to have drugs in them," says Bobby Russell, superintendent of the Western Virginia Regional Jail.

The machine is able to detect drugs and cutting agents like caffeine and baking soda. Other local agencies like the Montgomery County Sheriff's office are also interested in getting the machine.

"All jails deal with it," says Robert Hall with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. "Inmates have 24 hours a day to outsmart the officers."

The machine costs $140,000 according to the superintendent but there are rental options.