ATLANTA — A continuing investigation with the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) and the FBI's Safe Street Gang Task Force revealed an alleged multi-state criminal enterprise that sent contraband into the state's correctional facilities, according to officials.
Gov. Brian Kemp announced that search and arrest warrants were served at two locations in the metro Atlanta area on Thursday because of this investigation, according to a release.
"Georgia will not tolerate those who put our communities at risk by trafficking drugs, weapons and contraband both in and out of our correctional facilities," Kemp said in a statement announcing the arrests. "I want to thank Commissioner Oliver, the hardworking men and women of the GDC, and all law enforcement who worked to shut these operations down and help keep both Georgians and our correctional facilities safe."
The investigation, dubbed "Operation Skyhawk," revealed that drones were allegedly used to get contraband into GDC facilities. The discovery led to the arrest of 150 suspects, including eight GDC employees who were immediately fired, according to a release.
Those arrested now face a combined total of more than 1,000 criminal charges stemming from contraband entering facilities, drug trafficking and weapons possession by felons. Many of those arrested with also be facing Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges and Participation in Criminal Gang Activity. According to the release by the governor's office, this may end up being the largest gang-related RICO in Georgia's history.
Officials said the items confiscated so far have a total combined street value of more than $7 million:
- Drones – 87
- Weapons – 22
- Contraband cell phones in facilities – 273
- Civilian cell phones – 180
- Tobacco – 185 pounds
- Marijuana – 67 pounds
- Methamphetamine – 12 pounds
- Ecstasy – 51 pounds
- Cocaine – 10 grams
- Various pills – 90
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said the operation's success should "serve as a reminder that the agency has zero tolerance and will take action against people who threaten the safety of its facilities and the public."
"Our reach is far and wide, not just within the walls of our facilities, and I stand by my words from over a year ago that this activity will not be tolerated," Oliver said. "I am immensely proud of our Agents for their commitment to seeing that these individuals are brought to justice."
It's believed that other states may also be affected by the same alleged criminal enterprise. In addition, according to a release, the operation would not have been a success without hundreds of local law enforcement partners making traffic stops and responding to throw-overs and contraband drops by drone at GDC facilities.