INDIO – (INT) - Inmates have been coordinating with others outside of the lock-ups to smuggle drugs into Riverside County jails by way of the United States Postal Service. Multiple letters containing illicit drugs were intercepted by jail staff.

Jailers are also using a non-intrusive sensor and scanning device known as the “Tek-84”.

As part of the investigation, a search warrant served at a residence in Indio led to the arrest of Melissa Troncoso, age 32. She was located along with two juveniles. Several items of evidence consistent with facilitating and smuggling narcotics into the jail were taken as evidence.

Three men who were already incarcerated were re-arrested.

Story Date: April 30, 2024