Virginia prison officials intercepted a package containing an estimated $324,000 worth of contraband, including a pound of suspected methamphetamine and 17 cellphones, after an attempted drone incursion at Sussex I State Prison. The discovery was made by corrections staff around 1:30 a.m. on Monday.
![The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) said corrections staff discovered the "suspicious package" at Sussex I State Prison at around 1:30 a.m. Monday.]( "The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) said corrections staff discovered the "suspicious package" at Sussex I State Prison at around 1:30 a.m. Monday.")
Inside the package, officials found the aforementioned pound of suspected methamphetamine, along with 17 cellphones and their charging cables. The seizure also included 20 sheets of paper that appeared to be saturated with an unknown liquid. Additional seized items listed by the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) include multiple hex wrenches, three USB Wi-Fi adapters, two SIM cards, 30 disposable lighters, two cartons of cigarettes, one pound of loose-leaf tobacco, three packs of cigars, two bottles of professional-grade tattoo ink, two bottles of perfume, and two bottles of glue.
VADOC Director Joseph Walters stated that the seizure underscores the sophisticated methods employed in attempts to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities. "This investigation is an important reminder that some people will use sophisticated methods in an attempt to smuggle drugs and other dangerous contraband into Virginia Department of Corrections facilities," Walters said in a statement. He commended the vigilance of the staff at Sussex I State Prison for ensuring the facility's safety and security.
The incident is currently under investigation by the VADOC’s Office of Law Enforcement Services (OLES). The agency has requested that anyone with information regarding attempted smuggling into a VADOC facility contact OLES at 540-830-9280.