WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. — Two men face felony charges after deputies intercepted a suspected drone contraband drop at Washington State Prison.
Prison staff contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at about 10:15 p.m. Aug. 1 after hearing what sounded like a drone dropping contraband inside the prison grounds, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies searching the surrounding area stopped a suspicious vehicle near the prison. Evidence found during the traffic stop connected the driver and passenger to the drop, the sheriff’s office said.
Correctional officers later found a large bag inside the prison grounds containing:
- 5.15 pounds of suspected marijuana
- 14.65 pounds of tobacco
- 151.5 grams of suspected ecstasy
- 13.7 grams of suspected hydrocodone
- Several cellphones and chargers
- Earbuds, lighters and other items
The contents were turned over to the sheriff’s office as evidence.
Deputies arrested Kymani McLaren and Jovani Morris, both 22 and from Lithonia. They face multiple felony charges, including operating an unmanned aircraft, providing prohibited items to inmates, drug trafficking and possession with intent to distribute.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the staff at Washington State Prison and the quick response of our deputies in helping prevent contraband from entering the facility,” Sheriff Joel Cochran stated.
“For anyone considering bringing contraband into Washington State Prison by drone, we’d suggest finding a different hobby,” Cochran added. “History keeps showing the outcome is the same.”
The investigation is ongoing.
