Attempted Drug Smuggling into Ware County Jail Leads to Arrest: Man in Custody

WARE COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities in Ware County have charged a man from Union City, Ga., with multiple offenses after he allegedly tried to use a drone to transport drugs into the jail. The announcement came on Monday from the Ware County Sheriff’s Office.

Santonio Knighton is facing serious charges, including trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as felony charges for the intentional use of an unmanned aircraft. Additional charges include possession of both fentanyl and methamphetamine.

According to the sheriff’s office, detectives received a tip-off on October 15 about potentially illicit activities at a location in the 3800 block of Blalock Avenue. This information prompted an investigation into the area.

When detectives arrived at a residence on the said street, they reported encountering Knighton, who was allegedly operating a drone at the time, the sheriff’s office stated.

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.