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Drone Used to Smuggle $324K in Contraband, Drugs Into Virginia Prison, Officials Say

A 47-year-old man was charged on Monday over an alleged drone delivery of more than $1 million in drugs into the Townsville Correctional Centre, Queensland Police confirmed following the discovery in May.
Officers discovered the drone carrying methylamphetamine, GBL, various prescription drugs, syringes, a glass pipe, and a mobile phone; police allege the package was destined for prisoners inside the facility.
Townsville Correctional Complex general manager Silvi Baretta credited the discovery to "our officers' diligent adherence to security search practices." A 2022 incident involved a crashed drone carrying 617 Suboxone strips worth $250,000.
Facing five counts of supplying dangerous drugs into a correctional facility, trafficking, and drone-related offenses under the Corrective Services Act, the accused confronts serious charges. Detective Acting Inspector Erica Gray emphasized that "preventing drugs from entering correctional facilities is critical to the safety of staff, prisoners and the broader community."
On Tuesday, the man is expected to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court facing the charges. Authorities continue working with law enforcement partners to identify others involved in the illicit operation.

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Hanford Sentinel

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Center

Virginia Department of Corrections intercepts $324,00 drone delivery of contraband at Sussex prison

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Corrections is investigating an attempted drone delivery of contraband at Sussex I State Prison that officials say had an estimated prison value of $324,000. Corrections staff discovered a suspicious package at the prison…

15 hours ago

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The Virginian Pilot

Center

VADOC intercepts $324,000 drone delivery of contraband at Sussex prison

The Virginia Department of Corrections is investigating an attempted drone delivery of contraband at Sussex I State Prison that officials say had an estimated prison value of $324,000.

17 hours ago·Norfolk, United States

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WRIC

Center

Over $300,000 in contraband dropped at Sussex state prison via drone

More than $300,000 in contraband was dropped off at a state prison in Sussex County via drone on Monday, with the package containing illegal drugs, cellphones, perfume and more.

20 hours ago·Richmond, United States

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13 News Now

Center

Drone contraband delivery intercepted at Sussex I State Prison, officials say

Virginia Department of Corrections officials say they thwarted a drone smuggling attempt at Sussex I State Prison, seizing contraband valued at $324,000.

21 hours ago·Norfolk, United States

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WTVR

Center

Drone used to smuggle $324K in contraband, drugs into Virginia prison, officials say

The Virginia Department of Corrections intercepted an attempted drone delivery of thousands of dollars worth of contraband to Sussex I State Prison in Waverly Monday morning.

1 day ago·Richmond, United States

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