Drone Drops Deliver Drugs and Contraband Into Hudson Valley Correctional Facilities

HUDSON VALLEY, New York — State officials are investigating two incidents in which drones were used to deliver contraband into correctional facilities in the Hudson Valley.

According to officials, the first incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on May 26 at Wallkill Correctional Facility. An officer reportedly heard a buzzing sound approaching the facility before hearing a loud thump in the yard.

A search uncovered a package weighing more than five pounds that contained cell phones, charging cables, SIM cards, 15 vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, and bags containing unknown pills that were sent to a laboratory for testing.

A second incident occurred shortly before 4 a.m. on June 8 at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining. Officials said an officer observed a drone drop a package into the facility.

Authorities reported that the package contained a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, 15 pills, Apple earphones, and a cellphone charging cord.

Officials said both packages were attached to fishing lines and were recovered by correction officers.

The incidents are the latest in a series of reported drone-related contraband drops at correctional facilities across New York. Investigations into both cases remain ongoing.