US jail bans photos over drug-soaked pictures

Salem - A Virginia jail is no longer allowing inmates to receive personal photographs after officials found inmates were chewing on pictures that had been soaked in a drug.

Western Virginia Regional Jail Superintendent Bobby Russell told The Roanoke Times that the pictures were saturated in a liquid form of the narcotic-addiction treatment drug suboxone. Those receiving the photos could chew on them to absorb the contents.

Russell said it can be difficult for investigators to detect suboxone, especially on photos. On white paper, it leaves a slight yellow stain.

The jail had already banned all non-white paper and any papers containing drawings or paintings because of the trend.

Russell said they're looking into other ways for inmates to receive pictures.