DOJ indicts 12 in alleged prison drone smuggling operation
The Justice Department announced charges against 12 people for a sophisticated drone smuggling operation introducing dangerous contraband into federal prisons across multiple states. Former federal prosecutor Jim Trusty discuss the challenges of catching drones, which were used for 38 deliveries of drugs, cell phones and weapons to 10 facilities.
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Virginia prison officials intercepted a package containing an estimated $324,000 worth of contraband, including a pound of suspected methamphetamine and more than a dozen cellphones, following an attempted drone incursion at a state prison, authorities said.
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) said corrections staff discovered the “suspicious package” at Sussex I State Prison at around 1:30 a.m. Monday.
Inside, officials said they found a one-pound bag of suspected methamphetamine, 17 cellphones with charging cables and 20 sheets of paper that appeared to be saturated with an unknown liquid.
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Virginia prison officials intercepted a package containing an estimated $324,000 in contraband following an attempted drone incursion at Sussex I State Prison. (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.
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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).
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Anyone with information about attempted smuggling into a VADOC facility is asked to call OLES at 540-830-9280.
