Two women were arrested Saturday after contraband was detected during a routine screening at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, where they had arrived for a visit.
The Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office said Shermaniqua Smith, 26, of Shreveport, and Marshayla Blade, 23, of Bossier City, were booked into the Iberville Parish Jail on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and introduction of contraband into a penal institution.
The arrests put a spotlight on the prison's screening process, which intercepted the alleged attempt before the women entered the facility. Authorities did not say how much marijuana was allegedly involved.
The case comes amid continued concern about contraband reaching the prison during visits. A separate report has said four Elayn Hunt Correctional Center employees have already been arrested this year for introducing contraband into the facility, underscoring how often officials are still trying to keep illegal items out.
What happens next was not immediately clear from the sheriff's office account, and no court action or further investigation was described in the information made public Saturday.
