Overview

• A massive 16-month investigation led to the arrest of 150 people, including eight prison employees, for smuggling contraband into Georgia prisons.
• Drones were used to sneak in a variety of contraband, including drugs, weapons, and over 400 cellphones, making it the largest operation of its kind in Georgia's history.
• More than 1,000 criminal charges have been filed, encompassing drug trafficking, possession of firearms by convicted felons, and participating in criminal gang activity.
• The smuggling ring was a multi-state criminal enterprise, involving inmates, prison employees, and civilians, including a drone repair shop owner.
• Officials warn that similar smuggling operations could exist in other states, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and security measures.