Northumberland OPP are warning the public that illegal drone drops of contraband into prisons is becoming a public safety concern.
In a press release, they say that the drops fuel violence, substance-use disorder, and organized crime inside prisons, along with creating public hazards when drops containing dangerous substances miss the prison and are found in public spaces.
Operating a drone near a prison without authorization may violate federal aviation regulations and criminal laws. Offenders can face serious charges, including drug trafficking and mischief, with penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment when lives are endangered.
Police are asking the public to contact them if they see evidence of a drone drop in progress, such as drones flying near correctional institutions, or suspicious vehicles parked on back roads nearby.
