New mail system aims to prevent inmate contraband in Philly jails

A new mail system is being implemented in jails across Philadelphia in an effort to stop inmate contraband.

Zia Rhana, CEO of TextBehind, said his company just reached an agreement with the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP) to introduce its mail management system. The CEO said the technology prevents hard contraband, such as drugs and weapons, from entering the facilities via postal mail.

“Prison personnel and inmates will be safer and we anticipate a significant cost savings for the PDP due to a reduction in mail room man hours or redeployment of labor,” Rhana said.

The service was set to go live across Philly jails on April 6, 2026.

TextBehind, which is a Maryland-based company, currently serves over 30 prisons in Pennsylvania.

Rhana said this service is more important than ever to prevent the contraband of powerful and potentially lethal drugs such as fentanyl.

“Correctional officers, prison administration staff and incarcerated loved ones are in serious danger of being sickened or even killed by drug-laced mail” said Rana. “Narcotics and other prohibited substances are flooding into our prisons. TextBehind totally eliminates the risk of exposure.”

The service was set to go live across Philly jails on April 6, 2026.

To learn more about TextBehind, visit this website.