Man arrested for attempting to distribute drugs to GA prison via drone, deputies say

HELENA, Ga. — Deputies have arrested a man they say was attempting to distribute drugs and cell phones to a Georgia prison via drone.

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The Telfair County Sheriff’s Office said deputies received a call about suspicious activity near Telfair State Prison in Helena in south Georgia on Jan. 23.

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Deputies located Michael Austin of Greenwood, S.C., outside the prison. Deputies also found a drone nearby with a package that included marijuana, tobacco, cellphones and fentanyl patches.

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Austin was arrested on several charges including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a schedule 2 substance with intent to distribute and criminal attempt to introduce contraband.

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