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Drones delivering contraband to Florida prisons becoming a budding problem

Posted at 3:22 AM, Mar 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-26 03:29:39-04

PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) -- A package of contraband covered in grass clippings that was dropped by a drone at a Panhandle prison is one of the most recent examples of inmates using advanced technology to smuggle illegal items behind prison walls.

The News-Journal reports that authorities are investigating two confirmed drone drops at Florida prisons in the last 30 days. One of those drops was discovered at a Panhandle prison after correctional officers spotted the drone, which was delivering a cellphone and tobacco.

The Florida Department of Corrections declined to specify at which institution the drop happened and would only confirm it happened at a prison in the Northwest region of the state.

Officials say drones plague prisons across the nation, and most corrections departments are trying to keep up with new technology.