Drone Smuggling Operation at Calipatria State Prison Foiled; Two Arrested
IMPERIAL COUNTY – A coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies successfully disrupted a drone-based smuggling operation targeting Calipatria State Prison on November 18, 2024.
The Calipatria State Prison Investigative Services Unit, in collaboration with the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office, Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO), the Law Enforcement Coordination Center, Intelligence Division, and the U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector, intercepted a drone attempting to deliver contraband into a secured area of the prison.
Prison personnel monitoring drone activity observed two individuals piloting a drone near the facility. The drone entered the prison’s secure zone and dropped a package containing suspected marijuana and a large quantity of methamphetamine, valued at thousands of dollars. After completing its delivery, the drone returned to the operators, who fled the scene in a vehicle.
ICSO officers conducted a traffic stop on the suspects’ vehicle, uncovering the drone and packaging materials consistent with contraband smuggling. Two suspects, an adult female and a juvenile, were arrested. The adult suspect was booked into the Imperial County Jail and could face charges including drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit a crime, and using an unmanned aircraft system to commit a felony.
according to California Senate Bill 1355 (SB 1355). Enacted to combat such threats, SB 1355 makes it illegal to fly a drone over correctional facilities in the state and imposes a $500 fine on violators.
District Attorney George Marquez praised the collaboration between agencies, stating, “This successful operation highlights the importance of teamwork in combating illegal activities that threaten public safety.”
Participating agencies include the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector, and the Law Enforcement Coordination Center, Intelligence Division. Authorities emphasize the need to enforce strict measures to safeguard correctional facilities and surrounding communities.