White, Powdery Substance Found In RI Maximum Security Prison

CRANSTON, RI — A white, powdery substance was found in a Rhode Island prison on Monday, the Department of Corrections said.

J.R. Ventura, the chief public relations officer for the department, told Patch that the substance was found in the reception area of the maximum security facility at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston.

"As with any unknown substance, our safety response protocols were immediately activated," Ventura said. "Thanks to [the department's] safety procedures and the prompt response of our officers, the unknown substance did not enter the facility."

As a precaution, the correctional officer working in the area was taken to the hospital to be examined, and was cleared by medical professionals, Ventura continued. No one else was involved or affected.

The powder was sent for testing, and the incident is still under investigation, the statement concluded.