(LaPorte, IN) - A body scanner is being purchased to try and keep drugs out of the work release center in LaPorte.

Officials say offenders and staff will go through the scanner daily to make sure nobody is bringing in contraband like drugs tucked into body cavities or swallowed. The cost of the machine is over $100,000.

LaPorte County Community Corrections officials said offenders suspected to being in possession of drugs have been scanned at the sheriff’s office but the process since the facilities are a few miles apart was not efficient. The scanner is in response to a couple of work release inmates overdosing, officials said.