Butler County Prison may buy an X-ray machine to counter canny inmates’ ploys to smuggle contraband inside.

Warden Rick Shaffer said an X-ray is the surest way to detect drugs or other items hidden in body cavities.

“They’re getting more clever,” Shaffer said.

On March 28, an inmate overdosed on heroin. Correction officers found Kody Sarnese, 26, of Portersville unconscious in his cell with a hypodermic needle and three empty stamp bags.

In May 2012, five inmates were caught with heroin and hypodermic needles. One of the group hid bags of heroin in his rectum while two others tucked away two syringes each using the same method.

Shaffer said contraband typically is smuggled inside by new inmates being processed or work-release inmates returning at the end of the day.

According to Shaffer, the officers catch inmates with contraband roughly once a month.

Shaffer said the particular model of machine eventually selected must be sensitive enough to detect paper stamp bags.

One available model costs roughly $200,000.

Shaffer said the device would be bought using the general commissary fund, which has roughly $500,000.

He said drawing on that fund would be appropriate.

“This would help inmate safety,” Shaffer said.

He said it’s premature to know exactly where the machine would be stationed in the building.

Sheriff Mike Slupe, a county prison board member, supports adding the machine.

“It would be an outstanding tool with identifying contraband from inmates,” Slupe said.

District Attorney Richard Goldinger, who also sits on the prison board, agreed.

“It’s a great idea,” Goldinger said.

When inmates are caught with drugs, drug paraphernalia or other banned items, they are charged.

Shaffer said once a few inmates are caught by the machine, attempts to smuggle contraband will decrease.