A months-long investigation into an alleged drone-based contraband operation in Georgia's jails has resulted in the arrest of 150 people, including eight correctional staff, officials said.
The technique, known as "Operation Skyhawk," revealed that drones were being used to transport smartphones, drugs, and firearms into Georgia Department of Corrections facilities, according to the governor's office.
Search and arrest warrants were served at two Metro Atlanta locations as part of the investigation on Thursday. According to a news release from the governor's office, investigators have "effectively [shut down] a sophisticated, multi-state criminal enterprise that included civilians, inmates, and staff,".
Among the 150 defendants arrested were eight Georgia Department of Corrections workers, who were "immediately terminated," according to the state.
The governor's office stated the case's more than 1,000 allegations include contraband introduction, drug trafficking, and felons in possession of firearms. Many of those arrested may face charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act, as well as gang charges in what might be Georgia's largest gang RICO investigation ever, according to the office.
"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," the state's governor, Brian Kemp, said in a statement.
According to the governor's office, items collected during the operation included 87 drones, 273 illicit telephones, and 22 guns, as well as substantial amounts of tobacco, marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cocaine.
U.S.: 150 arrested after alleged drone smuggling operation in Georgia prison
