Nigerian-Born U.S. Deputy Fired, Charged in Prison Drug Smuggling Plot

Authorities have fired and charged a Nigerian-born deputy with the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office in the state of Virginia, USA after she allegedly attempted to smuggle drugs into a city detention facility.

Investigators arrested Amarachukwu W. Igwe on April 4, before any narcotics reached inmates at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center. Igwe, who joined the agency in July 2025, allegedly tried to bring drugs into the facility with the intent to deliver them to a prisoner.

The sheriff’s internal investigations unit uncovered the alleged scheme and intervened before the drugs entered the general inmate population.

Officials transferred Igwe to the Arlington County Detention Facility also in Virginia, where authorities processed her following her arrest.

Prosecutors have charged him with delivery of drugs to prisoners, conspiracy to deliver drugs to prisoners, and possession of a Schedule III controlled substance.

Sheriff Sean Casey said the agency moved swiftly after the arrest, terminating Igwe’s employment immediately.

“I have zero tolerance for actions that undermine the security of our facility,” Casey said. “Those who violate the public trust will face the full consequences.”

Authorities say investigators are still actively probing the case.