WRIGHTSVILLE, Ga. — One person was arrested after authorities intercepted a drone operation intended to smuggle illegal contraband into a Georgia state prison on Saturday.
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Authorities seized several duffel bags of illegal items and packaging equipment from a nearby motel room following a car chase and foot search near Johnson State Prison in Wrightsville.
The operation began shortly before 9 p.m., when Wrightsville police and the Johnson County deputies investigated suspicious activity about one mile from the prison. During the initial search, officers found a large drone hidden in a wooded area.
After discovering the drone, responding officers retrieved the equipment and monitored the area to see if anyone would return to retrieve it. A short time later, a silver Toyota RAV4 arrived at the location. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver sped away, leading to a police chase that ended on a dead-end street.
Three men ran away from the vehicle.
Following a search of the surrounding area, officers located and arrested one suspect. Law enforcement officers also impounded the Toyota RAV4 as evidence.
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Investigators later discovered the suspects had rented a room at the Delux Inn Motel to pack contraband and coordinate their plans. Officers executed a search warrant at the motel room, where they recovered several large duffel bags containing illegal contraband along with equipment used to package the items.
The Wrightsville Police Department issued a statement acknowledging the joint operation between local and state law enforcement agencies to prevent the contraband from reaching the facility.
“Thanks to the hard work and determination of the Wrightsville Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol and Georgia Department of Corrections, these items were prevented from entering into the prison,” the department stated.
The Wrightsville Police Department also urged residents to notify law enforcement if they observe unusual activity in the community.
“We would like to remind the public that anytime you observe anyone or anything suspicious, do not hesitate to report it,” the department stated. “We greatly appreciate any and all help the public can provide.”
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