Marcy, New York– A drone flew over the grounds of an upstate New York prison after midnight and released a package containing knives, a cellphone, bandanas, hair clippers and a green paper substance between two dormitories, officials said Wednesday.
Staff quickly recovered the package after spotting a drone flying over the Marcy Correctional Facility at 1 a.m. Saturday. Investigators are trying to determine who is responsible, according to the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
The double-edged knives were 8 inches (20 cm) long, and there was more than a pound (about 530 grams) of the unidentified green leafy substance, wrapped in clear plastic and balloons. The package also included five pieces of paper “impregnated with intoxicating chemicals,” chargers and hair clipper attachments, according to the department.
The drone was recovered outside the prison, which is located about 180 miles (290 kilometers) northwest of New York City.
Using drones to smuggle contraband into prisons Never heard of it before. Department Commissioner Daniel Martosello called it a “sophisticated but imminent threat” to the correctional system and used the incident to push for state legislation designed to address the illegal use of drones.
The package found in Marcy had wires sticking out, prompting the bomb squad to respond to ensure it did not pose an immediate threat.