Large Amount of Contraband Seized
A recent raid at the Fulton County Jail led by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office Strike Team resulted in the confiscation of a significant amount of contraband. Items seized included drugs, cell phones, makeshift weapons such as shanks and hatchets, a bullet, and other dangerous materials.
Sheriff Suspects Drone Involvement
Sheriff Pat Labot suggested that illegal drone drops were a primary method for smuggling contraband into the jail. The illegal items, including cell phones and drugs, were believed to have been delivered via drones.
Ingenuity of Inmates
Inmates displayed notable ingenuity in hiding and utilizing contraband. For instance, cell phones and chargers were found within seconds of the raid’s commencement on the high-security 7th floor. Makeshift weapons were crafted from building materials such as plumbing and lighting fixtures.
Contraband Details
The raid uncovered 22 illegal cell phones, suspected marijuana, tobacco, various pills, and a bottle labeled as promethazine. More than half a dozen suspected crack pipes were also seized. The sheriff’s office highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the inmates had even made a charging station from a commissary kiosk.
Previous Drone Activity
Drone drops have become a significant factor in the contraband trade at the Fulton County Jail. Previous instances included drone crashes with various payloads intended for inmates. The issue of drone involvement in smuggling was further underscored by the recent raid on a drone repair shop in Gwinnett County, where the owner, Robert Schwarz, was arrested for his alleged ties to gang members and involvement in contraband drops.
Inmate Reaction
One inmate interviewed during the raid denied knowledge of any contraband, though two cell phones were found in his cell. The sheriff’s office acknowledged the difficulty in determining the true ownership of the seized items.
Regular Shakedowns
The sheriff’s office conducts smaller shakedowns regularly, but the magnitude of this recent raid was significant, with the last similar large-scale operation occurring shortly before Thanksgiving.
Ongoing Investigations
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the methods and individuals involved in smuggling contraband into the jail. The increasing use of drones for these illegal activities remains a major concern for jail authorities.
This story underscores the ongoing challenges faced by correctional facilities in preventing contraband smuggling and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff.