A massive investigation into smuggling at prisons across Georgia has led to the arrests of 150 people, including eight prison employees.
Smugglers allegedly used drones to sneak drugs and weapons into correctional facilities around the state, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Arrest warrants related to the contraband investigation were served Thursday, unraveling a “sophisticated, multi-state criminal enterprise” that’s believed to be the largest operation of its kind in Georgia history.
Inmates, civilians visiting the prisons and Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) employees all participated in the scheme, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said.
Charges include contraband introduction, drug trafficking, possession of firearms by convicted felons, violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, and participating in criminal gang activity.
More than 1,000 criminal charges have been filed in the case so far.
“Georgia will not tolerate those who put our communities at risk by trafficking drugs, weapons and contraband both in and out of our correctional facilities,” Kemp said.
The 16-month-long investigation — dubbed Operation Skyhawk — found drones were used to smuggle tobacco, marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids and pills, some of which contained fentanyl. Dozens of weapons and more than 400 cellphones were also discovered.
The investigation found most of the contraband was smuggled in by prisoners’ family and associates, while some prison employees became involved in the illegal activity as well. The owner of a drone repair shop and an employee were among those arrested. Officials believe the store might have been one of the smuggling ring’s bases of operation.
GDC Special Agent Gregg Phillips told WSB-TV the investigation began in 2022 and led to the recovery of hundreds of pounds of contraband.
