A drone carrying gourmet holiday food alongside contraband was intercepted at a South Carolina correctional facility early on Sunday morning, according to state officials.
The package, discovered at the Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, included steak, crab legs, marijuana, and cigarettes, as reported by correctional officials.
The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) announced the interception. Interestingly, they suggested that it seemed like some individuals were trying to arrange an early vacation with their “crab boil and steak dinner,” along with the marijuana and cigarettes that were dropped by the drone.
The unique haul comprised raw steak, crab legs wrapped in plastic, Old Bay seasoning, a carton of Marlboro cigarettes, and two large bags of marijuana. Photos released by the department showed the various items.
Authorities confirmed that the drone and its contents were recovered, but no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
“We often encounter strange items in contraband packages, but this is a bit out of the ordinary,” remarked SCDC spokeswoman Christy Shayne. “I think the inmates expecting this package must have gone a little wild.”
The SCDC and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office have been dealing with persistent drone drops at LCI for several years. “Contraband poses a real challenge to prisons nationwide, and we are facing nightly drone attacks dropping dangerous drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine,” said Shine. “We’re making significant efforts to tackle the drone issue.”
Back in 2022, an eight-month investigation at Lee Prison led to 20 arrests and the seizure of 12 drones along with 100 pounds of contraband. Authorities even found three abandoned drones nearby.
Reportedly, the drones being used have become larger and are capable of carrying heavier loads, raising concerns among law enforcement. Lee County Sheriff Daniel Simon noted, “We are working hard to keep these larger drones out of the wrong hands.”
