Illinois correctional officers hospitalized after exposure to drugs in the mailroom

THOMSON, Ill. (WTVO) — Multiple correctional officers were hospitalized after being exposed to narcotics in the mail room of the federal penitentiary in Thomson on Wednesday.

According to WGN, three have been released from the hospital, and two were transferred to other facilities.

Union leader Jon Zumkehr said all mail coming into the prison is “soaked in narcotics,” and is asking that all mail coming into the prison be stopped for the time being.

Prison employees have advocated for switching to digital mail only to prevent injuries to corrections officers.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons has halted all visits to the facility until further notice.