Deadly Drug-Laced Paper Infiltrates US Prisons

Synthetic compounds sprayed on ordinary-looking paper are being smoked by inmates, leading to overdoses

Mar. 23, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A New York Times investigation has uncovered a disturbing new drug scourge in US prisons, where inmates are smoking sheets of seemingly ordinary paper that have been laced with powerful synthetic compounds. At least seven people have died since early 2023 after smoking these drug-soaked pages, which can contain cocktails of opioids, tranquilizers, cannabinoids, and stimulants. The issue is widespread, with authorities in prisons across the country dealing with the same problem.

Why it matters

This new drug threat highlights the ongoing battle against substance abuse in the prison system and the challenges authorities face in keeping contraband out of correctional facilities. The ability of inmates to obtain and abuse these drug-laced papers raises serious concerns about prison safety and the health of the incarcerated population.

The details

The New York Times report focuses on the situation at Chicago's Cook County Jail, where the drug-laced paper has become the substance of choice for many inmates. The paper is often disguised as books, letters, or even legal documents, making it difficult for authorities to detect. Once smoked, the paper can deliver a potent and dangerous high, leading to overdoses and deaths.

  • Since early 2023, at least seven people have died after smoking the drug-laced paper in US prisons.

The players

New York Times

The newspaper that conducted the investigation and published the report on the new drug threat in US prisons.

Cook County Jail

A correctional facility in Chicago, Illinois, where the drug-laced paper has become a major issue.

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What they’re saying

“At Chicago's Cook County Jail, the drug of choice now looks like office supplies.”

— Azam Ahmed, New York Times Reporter

What’s next

Authorities in prisons across the US are working to identify the specific synthetic compounds being used and develop new strategies to prevent the smuggling and use of drug-laced paper by inmates.

The takeaway

This new drug threat in US prisons highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining safety and security within correctional facilities, as well as the need for continued vigilance and innovation in addressing substance abuse issues among the incarcerated population.