A Muskegon woman and several inmates are suspected of being part of a smuggling plot at the Baraga Correctional Facility in the western Upper Peninsula, the Michigan Department of Corrections said this week.

The MDOC launched the investigation in January after a woman, who said she was there for a visit, used the lobby restroom and allegedly left drugs behind. Officers found the drugs, left a decoy package their place and arrested a person who picked up the package.

The ensuing investigation by Michigan State Police identified several other people, including other inmates and known associates, the MDOC said.

“When contraband drugs enter MDOC facilities, the effects are detrimental,” MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington said in a statement. “The nature of contraband today makes it easier to conceal and deliver than ever before. We remain dedicated to detecting and stopping it from entering facilities in every instance, as the team at AMF used their vigilance and expertise to uncover this plot. Through collaboration with MSP, I am confident those implicated will be held accountable.”

MDOC said the woman left a package containing K2, high-potency THC wax, and suboxone strips in the prison restroom on Jan. 18, 2026. A prisoner porter who began his work shift the next morning collected and attempted to conceal the package. He was apprehended by staff.

“Over the course of several months, it became clear to investigators that the incident was more sophisticated than a one-to-one smuggling attempt. Investigators identified several subjects allegedly connected to the smuggling plot, including the porter, additional prisoners, and multiple known associates,” MDOC said.

MDOC said it isn’t releasing any additional information about the suspects “as a matter of safety and security.”

Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: U.P. prison smuggling plot uncovered after monthslong investigation

Reporting by Jalen Williams, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect