SUNBURY - A lockdown of the Northumberland County Prison was lifted Wednesday, two days after loose leaf tobacco was tossed over the prison walls.
Commander Brian Wheary, acting warden, said Wednesday that every cell and common area in the prison was searched for 24 hours straight beginning Monday afternoon.
Correctional officers were supervising inmates in the prison yard about 1 p.m. when they noticed the contraband land on a net installed behind the prison walls, Wheary said. The net is designed for such a purpose. The lockdown began a few hours later after shift change, he said.
Preventing contraband from entering the prison is among Wheary's highest priorities, he said, adding that it's a difficult task.
"I think every facility gets contraband in. It's inevitable. Unfortunately, it's easier to get contraband in our facility because of the fact that we're right in the city limits," Wheary said. "People are right in the alleys throwing it over."
No drugs or other contraband was found inside or outside the prison. The lockdown was to be lifted after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday when dinner ended.
Sunbury police and the district attorney's office are conducting an investigation into how contraband allegedly is being smuggled into the prison. Police Chief Brad Hare said last week there was no update.