Inmates Are Smuggling Cellphones and Contrabands to Georgia Prisons Using Drones

Header Image: Smith State Prison in Glennville, Ga. Google Maps Photo.

Georgia's prisons are facing a growing crisis as drones are used to smuggle contraband, such as cellphones, drugs, and weapons. The number of confiscated cellphones in Georgia has skyrocketed in recent years, with a staggering 100% increase between 2019 and 2023. These illicit items are being delivered by drones, some capable of carrying massive payloads of up to 200 pounds, according to the state’s Commissioner of Corrections Tyrone Oliver.

Last week, a federal court charged 23 individuals, current and former inmates, for their involvement in a drone smuggling operation. The group used drones to deliver substantial amounts of methamphetamine, marijuana, and cellphones to multiple Georgia prisons, including Smith State Prison, Telfair State Prison, and others.

This alarming trend has led to an increase in criminal activity both inside and outside prison walls. To address this urgent issue, correctional facilities must implement robust security measures to combat drone threats.

AirSight: A Comprehensive Solution

AirSight offers a comprehensive solution to mitigate the risks posed by drone smuggling. Our advanced drone detection and pilot tracking technology, AirGuard, can help prisons:

• Detect drones: AirGuard's multi-layered detection system, including DJI Aeroscope RF sensor, Directional RF sensors, and sUAV radar, can detect a wide range of drones, from commercial and military models to hobby drones.
• Track drone movements: AirGuard can accurately track the trajectory of drones, allowing authorities to pinpoint their location and intercept potential threats.
• Identify drone pilots: Our system can track the exact location of drone pilots in real-time using advanced algorithms and data analysis.
• Prevent contraband smuggling: By detecting and tracking drones, AirGuard can help prevent the delivery of contraband into prisons, reducing the risk of security breaches and criminal activity.

AirGuard's Three-Layer Detection System

AirGuard's detection capabilities are powered by a three-layer hardware system:

• Layer 1 - Remote ID RF Detection: accurate GPS location of all RF drones that are transmitting Geolocatin, and the pilot GPS location for certain RF drones.
• Layer 2 - Expanded RF Detection: DJI Aeroscope detects DJI RF Drones, and the Directional RF sensors detect RF drones from other drone manufacturers.
• Layer 3 - Expanded RF + Radar Detection: DJI Aeroscope RF sensor coupled with other Directional RF sensors and a sUAV radar.

This multi-layered approach ensures that AirGuard can detect and track a wide range of drone threats, providing prisons with a comprehensive security solution.

The threat of drone smuggling in prisons is a serious concern that requires immediate action all across USA. AirGuard offers a proven solution to mitigate these risks and enhance prison security. By implementing AirGuard, correctional facilities can protect their inmates, staff, and the surrounding community from the harmful effects of contraband smuggling.

To learn more about how AirGuard can safeguard your prison, request a demo today.