In a bold and unusual attempt to smuggle drugs into a correctional facility, a 27-year-old man from Union City, Georgia, has been charged with several offenses. Authorities in Ware County claim that Santonio Knighton attempted to use a drone to transport fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illegal items into the county jail.
The Ware County Sheriff’s Office disclosed these charges on Monday, detailing Knighton’s alleged involvement in trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as the felony of intentionally employing an unmanned aircraft for illegal purposes. Additional charges include possession of both fentanyl and methamphetamine.
On October 15, detectives from the sheriff’s office were tipped off about suspicious activities at a specific location along Blalock Avenue. The site, identified in the 3800 block, was suspected to be involved in illicit operations.
Upon arriving at the scene, detectives reportedly found Knighton in the act of operating a drone. This encounter led to his initial detainment, followed by a formal arrest as authorities gathered enough evidence to support their claims.
The use of drones in criminal activities marks a concerning development, prompting law enforcement agencies to stay vigilant against such innovative tactics. Knighton’s case underscores the growing challenge of monitoring and preventing the misuse of technology for illegal purposes.
The sheriff’s office said detectives initially detained Knighton before they arrested him.
“A search warrant for Knighton’s vehicle and his temporary lodgings on Blalock Avenue was obtained,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post. “Once the search warrant was obtained by Det. Kyle Strickland, a detailed search of the vehicle and premises was conducted.”
The sheriff’s office said detectives found the following during the search on Knighton’s vehicle and property:
- Approximately half a pound of fentanyl
- About one pound of methamphetamine
- Around five pounds of marijuana
- 30 pounds of tobacco
- 14 cell phones
The sheriff’s office also said detectives found “many other items which would be contraband and dangerous within prison walls.”
Knighton remains in the Ware County Jail with no bond, according to jail records. The sheriff’s office said the investigation is still active and additional charges for Knighton are possible.
