In a substantial crackdown on prison smuggling, Georgia officials have arrested 150 individuals, including eight corrections officers, in an investigation known as “Operation Skyhawk.” This marks a significant blow to what authorities describe as a sophisticated, multi-state criminal enterprise leveraging technology to infiltrate state correctional facilities.
The investigation, a collaboration between the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force, began in November 2022. A monthslong probe revealed that drones were being used as modern-day mules, ferrying contraband — including cellphones, drugs, and weapons — into Georgia Department of Corrections facilities.
Gov. Brian Kemp’s office stated that Georgia will not tolerate individuals who endanger our communities by trafficking drugs, weapons, and contraband into and out of our correctional facilities.” The crackdown resulted in the seizure of 87 drones, 273 contraband cellphones, 22 weapons, and large amounts of tobacco, marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cocaine, some containing the lethal opioid fentanyl.
Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver emphasized the state’s resolve against these illegal activities: “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.”
Search and arrest warrants executed at two Metro Atlanta locations were crucial parts of the operation. One raid took place at a Gwinnett County drone repair shop, suspected to be a key hub for the smuggling ring. The owner, Robert Schwartz, and a staff member were among those apprehended, and over 50 drones were confiscated from the site.
The scope of the charges is expansive, with more than 1,000 total charges laid out, including drug trafficking, felon possession of firearms, and potential charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. This suggests that the operation may constitute the largest gang RICO case in Georgia’s history.
During the ongoing crackdown, Georgia Department of Corrections Special Agent Gregg Phillips told WSB-TV, “We stopped roughly 170 prison drops during the course of this investigation.”
The legal proceedings stemming from these arrests are expected to garner significant interest, as they involve civilian smugglers and correctional staff, highlighting the persistent difficulties in preventing contraband smuggling in prisons. The effective disruption of these illegal operations through “Operation Skyhawk” not only highlights law enforcement’s alertness but also emphasizes the importance of ongoing innovation and collaboration to combat advanced criminal activities.
Relevant articles:
– 150 arrested for allegedly using drones to transport drugs, guns, cellphones into Georgia prisons
– ‘Operation Skyhawk’: 150 arrested in Georgia prison smuggling investigation, FOX 5 Atlanta, Fri, 29 Mar 2024 11:35:42 GMT
– 150 arrested in historic Georgia prison smuggling ring, New York Daily News, Fri, 29 Mar 2024 02:35:55 GMT
– Operation Skyhawk: Drones Used in Georgia’s Largest Prison Smuggling Case, DroneLife, Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:15:45 GMT