K-2 in the Detention Facility

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating a criminal case involving the synthetic drug known as K-2, being introduced into the facility. The case originated in September of 2020 through information we had received. We reached out to the Kansas Department of Corrections for any intelligence information or advice on this issue. KDOC has been a very good partner on this case and provided us with intelligence and guidance on this issue.

A group of inmates was identified as receiving letters sprayed with a liquefied version of K-2. The letters were coming into the jail labeled as personal mail and legal mail. 

During this investigation, we intercepted K-2 laced paper sent to individual inmates through inmate mail. We also discovered the inmates controlling the sale of K-2 inside the facility were charging between $10 for an inch size square of K-2 to $500 for a whole sheet of K-2. In the meantime, KDOC was also conducting an investigation for similar activities and through this investigation we both identified the same organization as being involved in mailing K-2 laced paper into KDOC facilities and the Sedgwick County Jail.

In all we have intercepted and seized more than 70 sheets of paper placed into inmate mail that were suspicious. These items were then sent to the Sedgwick County Forensics Laboratory for testing. Some of the testing has been completed and K-2 was detected on the sheets of paper. Based upon a visual examination of mail seized by investigators, we have identified several clues on paper containing K-2: stains, discolorations, and paper with a waxy appearance and/or opaque appearance; however we do not believe all K-2 laced paper exhibits any or all of these characteristics and some may exhibit no clues. 

Starting on 12/2/20 at 2:05 am, 7 inmates have had adverse reactions after smoking the suspected laced paper. These reactions included, vomiting, passing out and drug induced psychosis. The last incident was on 12/3/20 at 1:38 pm. All 7 inmates had these reactions in less than a 24 hour period, and one inmate was hospitalized.

At 4:00 pm on 12/3/20, a large scale operation was conducted inside the facility. One particular pod was a main pod that K-2 was being mailed to and then distributed out of this pod via inmate workers to other pods. Deputies cleared the POD of inmates, and conducted a search that produced evidence of K-2 on sheets of paper and evidence related to the distribution of K-2. The team then conducted the same search in two other POD’s. After securing all the inmates a search was conducted and more K-2 was located. We also interviewed several inmates who were identified as being a part of receiving and distributing K-2 within the facility.

KDOC has identified two main suspects who have been sending K-2 into our facilities and had warrants drawn for their arrests. KDOC asked for our assistance in locating the two suspects. KDOC along with Sedgwick County deputies located both suspects on the west side of Wichita and both were arrested. While inside the hotel room, deputies identified what was believed to be dynamite, and summoned ATF to the scene. The scene is still being actively worked by KDOC, ATF and SCSO.

Once all items that have been seized have been tested, all evidence will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for charging.

The utmost importance to the Sheriff’s Office is the safety and security of our deputies and inmates inside the facility. The introduction of K-2 into the facility has created identifiable concerns to the safety and security of the jail. Preventive measures are being put into place to prevent the introduction of illegal drugs via the mail into the facility.