Move-over Birdman of Alcatraz.
A soaring drone airdropped a package of knives, drugs and personal care items onto the grounds of the Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York last weekend.
The remote-controlled air vehicle released its cargo between two dormitory buildings inside the facility’s secure fence at about 1 a.m. on Saturday, officials said Tuesday.
Because the delivery had wires sticking out of it and looked suspicious, the State Police Bomb Squad was called in to take a close look and determined it was safe to open.
Inside, guards found two eight-inch, double-edged knives, 530 grams of what appeared to be marijuana and five pieces of paper saturated in intoxicating chemicals. It also had a cell phone, some hair clippers and four bandanas.
Investigators also recovered the drone that was used in the incident outside the facility.
Department of Correction officials said the investigation remains ongoing and that individuals involved in trying to deliver contraband to prisoners will be prosecuted.
Law enforcement authorities said the incident proves the legislature should support Gov. Kathy Hochul’s new proposal, which aims to strengthen the state’s ability to stop illegal drone activity.
“The use of drones to deliver weapons, drugs, and cell phones is an evolving but imminent threat that our correctional system is facing as we continue to close off other means of introducing contraband into our facilities,” said DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III.
“DOCCS is working closely with our union partners to support Governor Hochul’s legislation, which would provide important tools to prevent unlawful drone activity and better protect those who live and work inside our facilities every day. I strongly encourage the Legislature to approve this critical public safety proposal.”
The governor’s plan would bar the use of drones in an illegal manner and restrict drone activity over sensitive locations, including prisons.
The plan would also create a new criminal offense for unlawful drone activity and expand law enforcement training for drone tracking.
The measure also would establish a list identifying approved drones and drone mitigation technology that could be purchased by the state.
