Two newly unsealed federal indictments have charged 23 individuals in Georgia with using drones to smuggle methamphetamine, marijuana, and cell phones into state prisons. The primary charge carries a possible sentence of 10 years to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg highlighted the danger these activities pose to prison staff and the public, thanking the collaborative efforts of multiple federal, state, and local agencies in uncovering the criminal operations.
Read: Georgia Man Gets 10 Years For Meth Trafficking In Metro-Atlanta
Dubbed “Operation Night Drop,” the investigation exposed two networks using drones and other means to deliver contraband to Smith State Prison, Telfair State Prison, and other Georgia prisons. The conspiracies allegedly spanned from 2019 to July 2024.
In addition to conspiracy charges, multiple defendants face charges for Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility, as they utilized cell phones to orchestrate the sale and delivery of contraband. Text messages and social media exchanges detailed the operation, including aerial prison images, drug quantities, and drone photos.
The indictments also seek the forfeiture of 10 drones and 21 firearms seized during the investigation.
Of the 23 indicted individuals, six were not incarcerated during the conspiracies but were in contact with incarcerated co-defendants. It is important to remember that an indictment contains only charges, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Read: Georgia Man Sentenced To 6 Years For Brutal Florida Prison Attack
Operation Night Drop was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which targets high-level criminal organizations threatening the U.S. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy P. Dean and Patricia G. Rhodes.
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