Twelve people have been indicted in a Justice Department probe into an alleged drone-based contraband ring that targeted 10 federal prisons. The 17-count indictment, unsealed Wednesday, says the scheme began in September 2023 and involved six drones making at least 38 drops from Atlanta to Mississippi. Prosecutors allege some defendants were inmates who coordinated drops by cellphone and that the contraband was stored at a site described as "The Lab." Authorities say the Bureau of Prisons uses a drone alert system to help detect such threats.
12 Indicted in Alleged Drone Smuggling Ring Targeting 10 Federal Prisons
Georgia Department of Corrections - PHOTO: A drone is seen carrying a payload as photographed by the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Twelve people have been charged in a Justice Department investigation that alleges a coordinated scheme to deliver contraband into 10 federal prisons across the United States using unmanned drones.
Indictment Details
The 17-count indictment, unsealed Wednesday, alleges the operation began in September 2023. Federal prosecutors say the defendants used six drones to drop illicit items at least 38 times into facilities from Atlanta to Mississippi.
How the Scheme Allegedly Worked
According to court records, some of the charged individuals were inmates who used contraband cellphones to schedule and coordinate drone drops. Prosecutors say the seized contraband was stored at a location identified in filings as "The Lab."
Security Concerns and Responses
Correctional authorities have warned for months about the growing threat drones pose to prison security. Court documents note that the Bureau of Prisons maintains a drone alert system intended to warn staff when an unmanned aircraft is detected near a facility.
"Threat from above": Media reports and court filings highlight escalating security risks from drones to prisons and detention centers nationwide.
Federal officials say the case remains under investigation. Charges have been filed based on the indictment, and those charged will face prosecutorial proceedings in federal court.
Help us improve.
