Three Arrested in Contraband Smuggling Attempt at FCI McDowell
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office has released further details regarding a contraband investigation at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, which involved attempts to traffic contraband, including tobacco and a cell…
Bluefield Beckley Oak Hill, WV, September 23, 2026 —
Three individuals have been arrested following an investigation into contraband smuggling at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell, located near Welch, West Virginia. The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests after uncovering attempts to traffic unauthorized items onto the prison grounds.
The contraband seized in connection with the incident included tobacco and a cell phone. Specific details regarding the date of the arrests, the identities of the three suspects, or the exact timeline of the events were not immediately available. The Sheriff’s Office stated that further information would be released as the investigation progresses.
The investigation centered on the alleged attempt to bring these prohibited items into the correctional facility. The Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell is a medium-security federal prison. The specific circumstances leading to the discovery of the contraband and the subsequent arrests were not detailed.
Officials from the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office are leading the investigation. Details concerning any potential charges, court dates, or further legal proceedings for the arrested individuals have not yet been disclosed. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident involved efforts to traffic contraband onto the prison property.
Story summarized from the original created by Brandy Lawrence on woay.com, see more information here.
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