DOJ indicts 12 in alleged prison drone smuggling operation
The Justice Department has filed charges against 12 individuals accused of running an elaborate drone-based smuggling network that allegedly funneled dangerous contraband into federal prisons in several states. Former federal prosecutor Jim Trusty weighed in on the difficulty of stopping drones, which authorities say were used in 38 drops delivering drugs, cellphones and weapons to 10 correctional facilities.
In Virginia, corrections officials say they stopped a suspected drone delivery at a state prison and recovered a package packed with contraband valued at about $324,000, including roughly a pound of suspected methamphetamine and more than a dozen cellphones.
According to the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), staff at Sussex I State Prison found the “suspicious package” around 1:30 a.m. Monday after an attempted drone incursion.
Authorities said the package contained a one-pound bag of suspected methamphetamine, 17 cellphones with charging cables, and 20 sheets of paper that appeared to have been soaked in an unidentified liquid.
Virginia prison officials said they intercepted contraband worth an estimated $324,000 after an attempted drone delivery at Sussex I State Prison. (Virginia Department of Corrections)
Investigators also recovered several hex wrenches, three USB Wi-Fi adapters and two SIM cards, the agency said.
The seized package also included a wide mix of other prohibited items: 30 disposable lighters, two cartons of cigarettes, a pound of loose-leaf tobacco, three packs of cigars, two bottles of professional tattoo ink, two bottles of perfume and two bottles of glue.
Virginia corrections officials said the intercepted package included suspected methamphetamine, 17 cellphones and other items with a combined estimated “prison value” of about $324,000. (Virginia Department of Corrections)
VADOC estimated the contraband had a combined value of roughly $324,000 inside the prison.
VADOC Director Joseph Walters said the seizure highlighted the sophisticated methods people may use in attempts to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities.
Virginia prison officials said an attempted drone incursion at Sussex I State Prison led to the discovery of a package containing approximately $324,000 worth of contraband. (Photo by Long Wei/VCG via Getty Images)
“This investigation is an important reminder that some people will use sophisticated methods in an attempt to smuggle drugs and other dangerous contraband into Virginia Department of Corrections facilities,” Walters said in a statement.
“I thank our institutional staff at Sussex I State Prison for their vigilance and focus on ensuring the safety and security of our facility,” he continued. “Our dedicated correctional staff and OLES members stand ready to intercept any dangerous contraband that individuals may attempt to introduce into correctional settings to ensure the safety and security of our dedicated corrections team members, of incarcerated individuals in our custody, of probationers, and of people in communities all across the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
The incident remains under investigation by VADOC’s Office of Law Enforcement Services (OLES).
Anyone with information about attempted smuggling into a VADOC facility is asked to call OLES at 540-830-9280.
