THOMASVILLE — Narcotics officers began an investigation about three weeks ago after receiving information that contraband was being smuggled into Thomas County jail.

Louis Schofill, commander of the Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division, said the contraband included cigarettes, candy, and THC vape pens.

Surveillance of inmates and workers was conducted over a span of one to two weeks. Schofill said the investigation and surveillance identified a jail worker who was responsible for sneaking contraband into the jail.

“We learned that a woman that worked for the food service was the one who was bringing stuff in,” he said.

Tricianita Blaise, 50, is being charged with three counts of crossing the guard line and one count of conspiracy to distribute tobacco cartridges.

“After we had the information we needed and we were ready to do a search to recover everything, that’s when we searched the dorm room and discovered 13 liquid tobacco cartridges and three vape pens,” Schofill said.

Blaise has since been arrested and released a $1,000 property bond. Schofill confirmed Blaise was not a direct employee of the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office.

Six or more inmates will be charged with conspiracy to bring contraband across guard lines.