ATLANTA, Ga. – Gov. Brian Kemp said Thursday that authorities have shut down a sophisticated, multi-state operation that smuggled contraband into state prisons using drones. The bust by Georgia Department of Corrections officials and FBI agents might be the biggest RICO gang case in state history.
Dubbed “Operation Skyhawk,” the monthslong investigation led to the arrests of 150 suspects, including eight Georgia Department of Corrections employees. Combined, they face more than 1,000 charges.
Many suspects also face Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges, authorities said.
“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,” said Kemp.
Investigators seized over $7 million worth of contraband during the probe, including:
- Drones – 87
- Weapons – 22
- Contraband cell phones in facilities – 273
- Civilian cell phones – 180
- Tobacco – 185 pounds
- Marijuana – 67 pounds
- Methamphetamine – 12 pounds
- Ecstasy – 51 pounds
- Cocaine – 10 grams
- Various pills – 90
“Our reach is far and wide, not just within the walls of our facilities, and I stand by my words from over a year ago that this activity will not be tolerated. I am immensely proud of our agents for their commitment to seeing that these individuals are brought to justice,” said Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver.
