11 busted in probe of drones trying to deliver drug to federal prison

Drugs and drones could land this group of alleged dealers in jail.

West Virginia authorities nabbed 11 suspects, including one minor, after they launched a wide-scale probe last year into drones attempting to drop off drugs at a federal prison.

The drug bust came after the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office received information about an increase in drones buzzing near the medium-security Federal Correctional Institution in the Mountain State city of Welch last November, authorities said, according to reports.

The following month, more tips flew into the law enforcement agency about possible drone deliveries, the sheriff’s office said.

It’s unclear if any drugs were actually delivered and if so, what type of narcotics inmates got their hands on, according to KDKA.

Arrests were reportedly made in December in February.

“Our office has conducted meetings with the McDowell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office concerning the investigation and prosecution of these matters to ensure the protection of citizens of McDowell County and Employees of FCI-McDowell,” McDowell Sheriff James Muncy said in a statement, according to WVVA.

Multiple suspects are facing charges of attempt to introduce contraband into a correctional facility, attempt to unlawfully operate an unmanned aerial vehicle and possession with intent to deliver a schedule 1 controlled substance, the sheriff’s office said, according to WVNS.

One juvenile is also reportedly facing multiple charges tied to the case.

Another suspect, Jose Sanchez Rodriguez, was found dead on Feb. 15 just days after the 29-year-old fled from deputies, authorities said, according to WVNS. His cause of death is pending.

Raymond Saez and Hector Luis were facing the highest bail at $150,000 each, the station reported. On top of the drug-related charges, they are also facing charges of battery against an officer.