ATTICA, N.Y. — Nine people were hospitalized after a series of incidents involving drugs at Attica Correctional Facility, according to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. 

DOCCS officials said the incidents started Sunday after an incarcerated person, who correction officers said seemed “off,” was searched by staff who found a piece of paper during the search. Officials said the three correction officers involved in the search reported feeling lightheaded and dizzy, with one of them vomiting. They were taken to a local hospital.

A few hours later, DOCCS said two incarcerated people were rushed to the infirmary after they were found lying on the ground during recreation time. Both were administered Narcan and sent to a local hospital.

According to officials, a nurse and sergeant involved in the second incident also began feeling nauseous and dizzy and were taken to a local hospital. On Wednesday, DOCCS said a staff member at Attica opened an envelope and powder spilled out. State Police, EMTs and hazmat crews were all notified, according to officials. The employee then became ill and was taken to a local hospital along with a nurse involved. 

While it's unclear what substances those involved came in contact with, the influx of drugs in state prisons was one of many complaints from officers in the recent strikes at state prisons that lasted 22 days. Many COs said it made working conditions more dangerous. 

“That’s the problem, you don’t know," said NYSCOPBA public relations director Jim Miller. "If they’re doing a path risk on someone and if you’re unaware they’re on some type of drug, you don’t know what you’re going to encounter. That’s the dangerous part about it." 

Part of the strike agreement was that DOCCS must find a qualified vendor to screen mail to keep drugs from getting into prisons. DOCCS said the incidents at Attica remain under investigation.