In Georgia prisons, 150 individuals, including eight correctional officers, were arrested after a months-long investigation into a rumored clandestine operation utilizing drones.
The investigation, referred to as ‘Operation Skyhawk,’ as stated by the governor’s office, uncovered the use of drones to transport firearms, narcotics, and smartphones into Georgia Department of Corrections facilities.
Operation Skyhawk
Thursday also saw the execution of search and arrest warrants at two locations in the Metro Atlanta area, effectively bringing to an end a sophisticated, multi-state criminal enterprise comprised of staff, offenders, and civilians.
Eight workers of the Georgia Department of Corrections were among the 150 suspects who were taken into custody and were “immediately terminated,” according to authorities.
The case encompasses over one thousand counts, all of which are associated with drug trafficking, the distribution of contraband, and felony firearms possession.
A considerable number of the detained individuals might also face charges of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act violations. This could lead to the most significant RICO prosecution against a gang in the history of Georgia.
Major quantities of tobacco, marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cocaine were among the items seized during the operation, along with 87 drones, 273 illegal telephones, 22 guns, and ecstasy.
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Georgia Department of Corrections Investigation
Georgia Department of Corrections special agent Gregg Phillips told Atlanta ABC affiliate WSB that the probe started in November 2022.
A drone maintenance business in Gwinnett County was the target of the raids on Thursday, according to the authorities. Standing by at the scene of the raids, WSB reported that over fifty drones had been seized and two people had been taken into custody.
Grand juries around the state are being asked to issue RICO and gang indictments against a number of the individuals by prosecutors in collaboration with special agents of the Georgia Department of Corrections, according to WSB.
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