DOJ indicts 12 in alleged prison drone smuggling operation
The Justice Department has unveiled charges against a dozen individuals tied to an elaborate drone smuggling network that infiltrated federal prisons with illicit contraband across several states. According to former federal prosecutor Jim Trusty, apprehending these elusive drones, which successfully executed 38 deliveries carrying drugs, cell phones, and weapons to ten facilities, presents significant challenges for law enforcement.
In a related incident, authorities in Virginia thwarted a substantial contraband drop, valued at approximately $324,000, as a drone attempted to breach state prison defenses. This intercepted cache included a pound of suspected methamphetamine and over a dozen cellphones, underscoring the sophistication and high stakes of such smuggling operations.
Officials from the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) reported that the suspicious package was discovered by attentive corrections staff around 1:30 a.m. Monday at Sussex I State Prison.
The contents of the intercepted package were alarming: a one-pound bag of suspected methamphetamine, 17 cellphones complete with charging cables, and 20 sheets of paper that appeared to be soaked with an unknown liquid, according to the authorities.
Virginia prison officials’ interception of the $324,000 contraband package following the attempted drone smuggling at Sussex I State Prison highlights the ongoing battle against high-tech criminal enterprises. (Virginia Department of Corrections)
The agency said it also seized multiple hex wrenches, three USB Wi-Fi adapters and two SIM cards.
Officials also discovered an unusual assortment of other items, including 30 disposable lighters, two cartons of cigarettes, one pound of loose-leaf tobacco, three packs of cigars, two bottles of professional-grade tattoo ink, two bottles of perfume and two bottles of glue.
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Virginia corrections officials intercepted a package containing a pound of suspected methamphetamine, 17 cellphones and other contraband with an estimated “prison value” of approximately $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.