Multiple Indictments Come from High-Tech Narcotics Bust

Multiple Indictments Come from High Tech Narcotics Bust

Twenty-three individuals were indicted in Georgia for a daring and sophisticated drone-based drug smuggling network aimed at delivering narcotics into prisons.

At a Glance

  • Twenty-three individuals indicted in Georgia for smuggling drugs and phones into prisons using drones.
  • Primary charge is conspiracy to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine, with penalties of 10 years to life in prison.
  • The scheme exposed the vulnerabilities of prison security systems to advanced technology.
  • Authorities seized 21 firearms and 10 drones during the investigation.

Indictments and Charges Unveiled

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia announced the indictment of twenty-three individuals implicated in a drone-based narcotics smuggling network targeting state prisons Smith State Prison and Telfair State Prison. These individuals face charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine. Penalties for these charges range from ten years to life in prison.

Prosecutors have highlighted the urgency this trial brings to revisiting and potentially enhancing prison security measures. For instance, evidence collected against these individuals included aerial images of prisons and photos of vacuum-sealed packages.

Complex Smuggling Operations Revealed

The indicted individuals used drones to deliver contraband items into prison facilities. Text and Facebook messages found during the investigation provided detailed instructions on the packaging and delivery of drugs via drones. The investigation dubbed “Operation Night Drop” unveiled two networks of inmates working in collaboration with outside conspirators to smuggle contraband.

This elaborate operation was largely orchestrated by inmates using phones smuggled into the prisons. One text message from Deivon Waller to Donald Pater read, “The target is directly in the middle of the yard . . . we don’t have to worry about no police so we don’t kill time this is a run and gun operation . . . Get here get in the air come over drop reload drop reload drop reload drop and go.”

Cooperation Among Law Enforcement Agencies

The investigation saw cooperation among various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the extensive network required to break down such a broad and complex smuggling operation. According to East Coast U.S. Attorney Bobby Christine, cooperation was essential in intervening with the contraband smuggling into Georgia’s state prison system.

Included among the seized items were 21 firearms and 10 drones, highlighting how criminal organizations have resorted to sophisticated technology to evade law enforcement scrutiny. The move also underscores the holes within the current prison security systems that allowed these operations to persist undetected initially.

Operational Challenges and Future Prevention

The indictment also stressed the danger posed to prison staff, inmates, and the public due to these elaborate delivery systems. The Smith State and Telfair State Prisons were particularly highlighted, given their histories of inmate violence and corruption. For example, Smith State Prison’s warden, Brian Adams, was arrested due to an unrelated contraband investigation in early 2023. Shortly after his arrest, two staff members were killed by inmates in separate incidents.

U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg stressed the severity of the operation: “These indictments identify networks of individuals determined to introduce into prisons controlled substances and other contraband that compromise the safety and security of individuals who are held in those facilities and those employed there, and further endanger members of the outside public.”

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