Drone Smuggling Operation Targeting Federal Prisons Unveiled

The Justice Department filed a 17-count indictment charging twelve defendants with operating a drone-smuggling ring that used six high-powered drones to deliver methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana, suboxone, cocaine, cell phones, tobacco, cigarettes, drug-infused paper and saw blades to ten prisons in Georgia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. It made at least 38 nighttime drops from 2023 to 2026, guided by inmate maps and real-time instructions via illegal phones.

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In early 2026, a coalition of 21 state attorneys general warned of an “alarming” surge in drones dropping contraband into prisons and urged federal authority. The White House cited the Safer Skies Act, signed in December 2025, providing $500 million in FEMA grants, FBI training and a DHS office to detect and disable rogue drones.

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U.S. Attorney William Keyes (Middle District of Georgia) leads the prosecution. BOP Director William K. Marshall III is the bureau’s spokesperson. FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham coordinates the investigation.

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Keyes highlighted the investigation’s speed and complexity, noting drones’ remote nature challenges law enforcement. Marshall warned that the activity threatens the safety of prison staff and inmates. Graham described the frequency of drops as turning facilities into “a small airport” at night. White House officials framed the Safer Skies Act as a pivotal step to equip local agencies with detection and mitigation tools. Correctional officers recovered contraband minutes after landings, while other drops vanished. Sources confirm at least 38 deliveries; total unknown.

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The coalition criticized prior inaction, noting existing law limited real-time intervention, leaving officials without authority.

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• “We’re here to announce the unsealing of an indictment that charges the most sophisticated and sprawling criminal enterprise using drones to introduce contraband into the federal prison system ever charged by the Department of Justice,” — William Keyes, U.S. Attorney

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• “Activity of this nature threatens the safety of everyone who lives and works inside our facilities and will not be tolerated” — William K. Marshall III, Director, BOP

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• “But I think that’s what this case demonstrates is that we are at the speed to tackle this problem. This is a very sophisticated investigation, a very complex problem.” — William Keyes, U.S. Attorney

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• “In a letter sent to state attorneys general, the administration said that Trump’s Safer Skies Act — signed last December — marks the first time state and local agencies have been given proper resources to disable and disrupt rogue drones, by providing $500 million in FEMA grants, developing new FBI training programs, and launching a Department of Homeland Security office aimed at curbing the threat.” — White House officials

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Federal investigators will monitor drone activity while BOP facilities expand detection systems. Safer Skies Act funding will be deployed to state and local agencies, and prosecutions are expected as authorities trace participants.

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