Correction officers at Green Haven Correctional Facility intercepted drugs, cell phones, and weapons during three separate contraband investigations in December, including one involving a drone drop into a prison yard.
Staff recovered more than two pounds of marijuana and five cell phones with charging equipment during the incidents at the Stormville facility, according to a release from the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association.
The first incident unfolded around 3:35 a.m. on December 17, when a sergeant heard and observed a drone flying over the facility and hovering above an outside yard. A few hours later, an officer searching the yard discovered two volleyballs tied with fishing line and zip ties. Staff opened the balls and found they had been cut open, filled with contraband, and resewn.
Inside, officers recovered about one pound of marijuana, tobacco products, a USB charger, three iPhones, charging cables, and a folding ceramic blade.
A second incident occurred December 22 during a cell search. An inmate refused orders, resisted staff, and attempted to conceal a cell phone and a ceramic razor. Officers restrained the inmate and recovered the items, but four officers suffered injuries during the struggle. Three remained on duty after treatment, while a fourth was taken to Vassar Brothers Medical Center with a knee injury.
The third incident happened December 28 in the visiting area. Officers detected the smell of marijuana and later uncovered a smuggling operation involving two inmates and a visitor. Surveillance video showed contraband hidden inside a Christmas present and transferred through the visiting room. Staff recovered more than one pound of marijuana, charging cables, a hidden cell phone, additional drugs, and liquid-soaked paper.
All recovered items were secured as evidence, and investigations remain ongoing.
“The significance of the drugs and cell phone recoveries by staff cannot be understated,” said Joe Horacek, NYSCOPBA Mid-Hudson Region vice president. He praised the officers involved and urged lawmakers to support proposed legislation that would criminalize drone use near correctional facilities.
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