Virginia prison intercepts $324,000 contraband package including meth and cellphones

Virginia prison officials intercepted a package containing an estimated $324,000 worth of contraband, including a pound of suspected methamphetamine and more than a dozen cellphones, following an attempted drone incursion at Sussex I State Prison, authorities stated. The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) reported that corrections staff discovered the "suspicious package" at around 1:30 a.m. on Monday. Inside, officials found a one-pound bag of suspected methamphetamine, 17 cellphones with charging cables, and 20 sheets of paper that appeared to be saturated with an unknown liquid. The agency also seized multiple hex wrenches, three USB Wi-Fi adapters, and two SIM cards. Additionally, officials discovered an assortment of other items, including 30 disposable lighters, two cartons of cigarettes, one pound of loose-leaf tobacco, three packs of cigars, two bottles of professional-grade tattoo ink, two bottles of perfume, and two bottles of glue. VADOC estimated the contraband had a combined value of roughly $324,000 inside the prison. VADOC Director Joseph Walters stated that the seizure highlighted the sophisticated methods used to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities. He thanked the staff at Sussex I State Prison for their vigilance in ensuring the safety and security of the facility. The incident remains under investigation by VADOC’s Office of Law Enforcement Services (OLES). Anyone with information about attempted smuggling into a VADOC facility is encouraged to call OLES at 540-830-9280.