Ep 12. Business Behind Bars

In season 7 episode 12 of Drugs, Inc. titled "Business Behind Bars," viewers are taken on a journey inside the American prison system to explore the thriving drug trade that operates within its walls. The episode begins by profiling several prisoners who have become entrepreneurs of sorts since being locked up, leading a black market economy fueled by drugs. We get a glimpse of what life is like for inmates who rely on these substances to cope with the stresses of incarceration.

The episode then delves into the various methods used to smuggle drugs into prisons and the creative tactics inmates use to distribute them once they're inside. We also meet a former corrections officer who was caught smuggling in drugs and is now serving time in the very same facility where he once worked. He explains how correctional officers are often complicit in the drug trade, either by turning a blind eye or actively participating.

Throughout the episode, we see how drugs are not only a source of income for prisoners, but also a form of currency used to trade for other goods and services. For example, some inmates use drugs to pay for protection or to bribe a correctional officer for special favors. This creates a dangerous environment where violence is a common occurrence, and prisoners must constantly watch their backs.

Despite the high risk involved in the drug trade, some inmates are willing to take the chance because the potential rewards are so great. We meet one prisoner who manages to make thousands of dollars a day by selling drugs, despite being locked up. He explains how he's able to deftly navigate around the prison's security protocols and avoid detection.

The episode also touches on the devastating consequences of drug addiction in prison. Viewers see how some inmates become hopelessly hooked on drugs and suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms when they can't get their fix. The lack of access to proper medical care or rehabilitation programs only makes the problem worse, leading to a cycle of addiction that can last for years.

Overall, "Business Behind Bars" offers a sobering look at the drug trade that operates within America's prison system. It highlights the many challenges faced by inmates and corrections officers alike in their struggle to combat this pervasive problem. Through interviews with prisoners, former corrections officers, and law enforcement officials, viewers gain a better understanding of the complex web of factors that contribute to the thriving drug trade behind bars.