DOJ Indicts 12 in Alleged Prison Drone Smuggling Operation
The Justice Department has filed charges against 12 individuals connected to an intricate drone smuggling scheme, which reportedly brought dangerous contraband into federal prisons in several states. Former federal prosecutor Jim Trusty commented on the difficulties in capturing these drones, which were allegedly responsible for 38 deliveries of items including drugs, cell phones, and weapons to ten different facilities.
In a related event, officials at a Virginia prison intercepted a package estimated to contain around $324,000 worth of contraband, which included one pound of suspected methamphetamine and over a dozen cell phones. This package was discovered after an attempted drone intrusion at Sussex I State Prison, according to authorities.
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) reported that corrections staff found the “suspicious package” early Monday around 1:30 a.m. Upon inspection, it contained a one-pound bag of suspected meth, 17 cell phones along with charging cables, and 20 sheets of paper that appeared to be soaked in an unidentified liquid.
Moreover, VADOC also confiscated multiple hex wrenches, three USB Wi-Fi adapters, and two SIM cards. Among the other unusual items seized were 30 disposable lighters, two cartons of cigarettes, a pound of loose-leaf tobacco, three packs of cigars, two bottles of professional-grade tattoo ink, two bottles of perfume, and even bottles of glue.
VADOC stated that the overall contraband value within the prison was approximately $324,000. VADOC Director Joseph Walters emphasized that the seizure showcased the advanced methods individuals sometimes employ to smuggle illegal items into correctional facilities.
Walters shared that this investigation serves as a crucial reminder of the lengths to which some will go to introduce drugs and other dangerous contraband into Virginia’s correctional facilities. He expressed gratitude to the staff at Sussex I State Prison for their vigilance and commitment to maintaining safety and security within the institution. “Our dedicated correctional staff are prepared to intercept any dangerous contraband that individuals may try to introduce, ensuring the safety of our team members, those incarcerated, those on probation, and the broader community across Virginia,” he noted.
The investigation is currently ongoing by VADOC’s Office of Law Enforcement Services (OLES). Those with any information regarding attempts to smuggle contraband into VADOC facilities are encouraged to reach out to OLES at 540-830-9280.
