Two men are behind bars, accused of attempting to smuggle contraband and illegal substances into Avenal State Prison.

According to prison investigators, Sylvia Rodriguez, 27, of Manteca and Ricky Silva, 21, of Tracy were intercepted Monday morning as they attempted to smuggles the contraband into the prison's Producation Ranch.

The contraband included 11 cans of tobacco, a bag of balloons, rolling papers, a bag of protein powder mix and a zip-lock bag of marijuana. They are all items prison officials say jeopardize the safety of inmates and staff.

"I am proud of the work completed by our investigators to intercept and uncover this illegal activity," said James D. Hartley, Warden at ASP. "Such attempts will not be tolerated."

Silva and Rodriguez have since been booked into Kings County Jail for Conspiracy, Possession or Introduction of Drugs or Alcohol into the prison and related charges.

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