Aiexpress – Eleven individuals have been apprehended as part of a probe into the illicit drug distribution by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into a federal penitentiary in southern West Virginia. Tragically, one individual, who was also being investigated and had evaded law enforcement, was discovered deceased.
In November, officials at the medium-security Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell in Welch reached out to McDowell County Sheriff James Muncy for assistance with the growing use of drones in the area. Responding to their request, the sheriff’s office began receiving numerous tips about drone deliveries in December.
According to Muncy, the arrests took place between mid-December and early February. The individuals were charged with various offenses, including introducing or attempting to introduce contraband into a correctional facility, possessing controlled substances with the intent to deliver, operating a drone unlawfully, engaging in terroristic acts, and participating in felony conspiracy.
Muncy did not disclose the specific drugs that were allegedly transported into the facility or whether any of the individuals arrested are currently incarcerated there.
One of the suspects who was arrested is a juvenile, according to Muncy. Furthermore, two suspects have been charged with assault and battery on an officer, as well as fleeing on foot. Another individual involved in the case has been charged with being a fugitive from Pennsylvania.
As of Monday, the majority of the suspects are still being held at the Southwestern Regional Jail in Holden. It is not mentioned in the jail records whether they have legal representation to provide comments on the charges they are facing.
