Two Men Arrested for Attempting to Smuggle Drugs into Prison with Drone

In a brazen attempt to smuggle Contraband into a West Tennessee prison, two men were apprehended by the Bells Police Department on Wednesday night. The suspects were caught with a drone and a variety of illegal items, including fentanyl pills, tobacco, and marijuana, according to authorities.

Suspects Arrested After Traffic Stop

The incident began when the Bells Police Department pulled over a car for a traffic infraction on Highway 412. As the officers approached the vehicle, one of the occupants fled on foot, carrying a backpack. The driver was promptly arrested and charged with possession of schedule II and VI substances with intent to distribute, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.

The West Tennessee Drug Task Force was called in to assist with the search for the fleeing suspect and to conduct a thorough search of the car. During the investigation, authorities seized a significant amount of contraband, including:

• 48 “Dirty 30” fentanyl pills
• 3.5 lbs. of tobacco
• Multiple cell phones with chargers
• A Sony PSP
• Memory cards
• Mesh bags
• A drone with a controller and spare batteries

Backpack with Marijuana Found

As officers scoured the area for the fleeing suspect, they discovered a backpack containing one pound of marijuana. It is believed that the backpack was discarded by the suspect as he attempted to evade capture.

Prison Smuggling Attempt Foiled

According to authorities, the two men were en route to the Northwest Correctional Facility in Lake County, intending to deliver the seized contraband. The drone found in their possession was equipped with an actuator device designed to hold the mesh bags filled with the illegal items, allowing them to be flown over the prison walls and delivered to inmates.

The quick actions of the Bells Police Department and the West Tennessee Drug Task Force thwarted a daring attempt to smuggle drugs and other contraband into a state prison facility. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to locate the second suspect and ensure that all those involved face the appropriate charges for their actions.

Photos courtesy of WTDTF.