Federal prosecutors charge 12 people in drone smuggling case at 10 prisons

Federal prosecutors in Georgia unsealed a 17-count indictment Wednesday charging 12 people with operating drones to smuggle contraband into 10 federal prisons. The indictment alleges the defendants used six drones to make at least 38 drops of methamphetamine, marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, Suboxone, cellphones, tobacco, and saw blades into facilities in eight southern states from West Virginia to Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Alleged operation Prosecutors say the scheme ran from September 2023 through May 2026. Items were stored at a former daycare center referred to as "The Lab." The indictment names one defendant accused of coordinating flights and communicating with inmates. Four current or former inmates are charged with arranging drops via contraband cellphones.

Charges and penalties Several defendants face possible life sentences if convicted. One 70-year-old defendant faces up to 20 years plus a mandatory five-year consecutive term on firearm charges. The Bureau of Prisons drone detection technology assisted investigators by recording launch locations, flight paths, and registration data.

All defendants are in federal custody. An arraignment is scheduled for July 22.