NJ sheriff finds drug in coloring book pages

[March 30, 2011]  CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. (AP) -- There was nothing innocent about coloring book pages with the words "To Daddy" scribbled on top and mailed to a New Jersey jail, authorities said.

Five people are facing charges after the prescription drug Suboxone, which is used to treat opioid addiction, was turned into a paste and the paste was drawn on the pages, Cape May County Sheriff Gary Schaffer said.

"In my 38 years of law enforcement, I've never seen anything like this," Schaffer told The Press of Atlantic City.

A source tipped off a corrections officer about the scheme and the mailroom found coloring book pages with an orangey substance in February, the sheriff said.

Three pages, including two depicting Snow White and Cinderella, were sent to the county prosecutor's office drug lab for testing.

Three inmates were charged with conspiracy and attempt to commit a crime.

Two women were charged with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and intent to distribute within a school zone.

The sheriff said he has alerted other jail wardens and county sheriffs to be on the lookout for such drawings.

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Information from: The Press of Atlantic City, http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/

[Associated Press]

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