BEAUMONT, Texas — Jefferson County deputies have confiscated a drone that the sheriff's office says was used to bring contraband into the United States Penitentiary, in Beaumont.
Some of the contraband that deputies confiscated along with the drone includes cell phones, drug paraphernalia, tobacco, GPS trackers, credit cards, a shank, watches, Narcan, spray paint and various electronics.
Two people were arrested in a car outside the jail and the car was towed. Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens says incidents like these happen more often than you think.
"We have ranchers who call us many times in the county, because they see the drones flying over, and they see the drop offs," said Stephens.
Patrol Deputy Adam Lovett with Jefferson County Sheriff's Office told 12News that he pulled a man and woman over for speeding on Hillebrant Road and began questioning why they were speeding. Both gave conflicting responses, prompting a search of vehicle, which the driver refused.
"He said they were down here for work, then I went and spoke with the female in the passenger seat. She told me they were down here visiting some friends, so right there you have conflicting stories," said Lovett.
They called out a K9 unit, who was alerted to something during the search. That’s when they found contraband and arrested the couple for drug possession.
Some of the items were wrapped in a way that hid what the item was along with fishing line believed to be used for the drop of contraband into the federal prison. The vehicle was located near the back of the prison.
"I was shocked there was that much. I figured I was just going to find a little bit of meth or something, never thought I'd come across a little enterprise they have going on," Lovett told 12News.
Stephens believes they planned to fly the contraband into the prison for inmates. She says it's a problem they've seen before.
"They'll bundle it in plastic, paper, backpacks, cases and when the drone drops the packaging in the prison area it doesn't get any attention. This not our first and it is certainly not our last," said Stephens.
As smugglers continue to revolutionize their tactics Sheriff Stephens wants people to report any drones they see flying close to the prison.
"We are not just reactive. I want to reiterate that we're proactive, and we're going to prosecute," Stephens said.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
