Over 1,500 New York inmates wrongly punished due to botched drug tests

NEW YORK (WHEC) — An ongoing investigation by New York Inspector General Lucy Lang shared the findings on Tues.

The investigation found that the Department of Corrections were using a drug testing system on inmates that gave back incorrect results. Urine tests detected over-the-counter medications, such as antacids.

140 of the 1,500+ inmates that were wrongly punished were also placed in solitary confinement.

"During our investigation, my office and I learned directly about the devastating consequences of these failures from brave New Yorkers who stood up for themselves and their loved ones under circumstances when the whole system seemed stacked against them,” said Lang.