Following a months-long criminal investigation in Georgia, 150 persons, including eight correctional staff, were taken into custody on charges of using drones to bring drugs, guns, and cell phones into and out of prisons.
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Gang Task Force spearheaded the effort, according to a press release from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
On Thursday, search warrants were executed at two facilities, bringing an end to a “sophisticated, multi-state criminal enterprise that included civilians, inmates, and staff involved in contraband introduction into GDC facilities.”
Operation Skyhawk, the investigation, revealed that the defendants’ smuggling network was assisted by drones. Drugs and other contraband worth almost $7 million on the black market were seized by the authorities. This included cell phones, drones, cigarettes, marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine, and other medications.
Kemp’s office reports that over 1,000 criminal charges have been brought. Eight prison staff members lost their jobs as a result of their arrests.
“The success of Operation Skyhawk should be a reminder to anyone inside or outside our prisons that we have zero tolerance and will take swift action against those who threaten the safe operations of our facilities and the safety of the public,” GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver stated in a press release.
