Two years after they officially snuffed out inmate smoking, prison officials last week declared the effort a health success. Others, though, admitted that the policy has spawned an immensely profitable and embarrassing smuggling industry inside the state's sprawling prison system. It's more profitable. Unlike marijuana or other traditional contraband, tobacco can be purchased legally. Prison officials punish such offenses harshly.
Inmates can lose good-time credits, trusty status or even the privilege of attending classes.
Employees found trafficking in tobacco face felony charges, and those guilty of lesser offenses can be forced to resign. Last year alone, about 40 employees and 134 inmates were caught in tobacco violations. Prison brass note the guards and other system offenders represent a tiny fraction of TDCJ's total 30,000-person work force. And they insist the contraband problem is diminishing, in part because many county lockups now are smoke-free, giving criminals a chance to kick their habits before arriving at the penitentiary. Since the ban went into effect, authorities have intercepted numerous shipments of tobacco hidden on prison grounds.