Every other day it seems we’re bombarded with another news headline lambasting the fact that illegal and contraband drugs like heroin, cocaine, opiates, marijuana, and tobacco are being smuggled into prisons nationwide. From inmates bribing prison workers to bring in drugs to ministers smuggling in contraband items to friends and relatives passing off drugs during visits to drones dropping off illicit packages. Drugs are so prevalent in prison that Death Row inmates in California can obtain them.

With all the hoopla The Daily Beast reached out to some ex-cons to find out how prisoners set up shop, get the drugs in, sell to other prisoners, and convert prison money to real world funds. Although schemes differ from prison to prison, they usually follow the same pattern and principles. Doing life in the penitentiary isn’t pretty and with nothing but time on their hands convicts have perfected the art of the ruse. Here are eight steps that every prison drug smuggling venture operates by.

Determine the Market