A monthslong probe into an alleged drone-based contraband operation in Georgia’s prisons has led to the arrest of 150 people, including eight correction officers, officials said.
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Skyhawk,” uncovered that drones were being used to move cellphones, drugs and weapons into Georgia Department of Corrections facilities, according to the governor’s office.
Search and arrest warrants were served at two locations in the Metro Atlanta area on Thursday as part of the investigation, “effectively shutting down a sophisticated, multi-state criminal enterprise that included civilians, inmates, and staff,” the governor’s office said in a press release.
Among the 150 suspects arrested were eight Georgia Department of Corrections employees who were “immediately terminated,” the state said.
The more than 1,000 total charges in the case stem from contraband introduction, drug trafficking and felons in possession of firearms, the governor’s office said.
Many of those arrested may also face charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and gang charges in what could be the largest gang RICO case in Georgia’s history, the office said.
“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,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement.
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