A drone flew over an upstate New York prison and dropped a package containing knives, drugs and a cellphone inside the facility’s secure perimeter, state officials said.
The incident happened around 1 a.m. Saturday at the Marcy Correctional Facility, where staff spotted the drone before it released the package between dormitory buildings, according to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The Associated Press and other outlets reported the package was quickly recovered. (AP News)
Authorities said the package contained two eight-inch, double-edged knives, about 530 grams of a green leafy substance, a cellphone and paper soaked with intoxicating chemicals, along with other items including hair clippers and bandanas. (WHAM)
Because wires were seen protruding from the package, New York State Police bomb technicians were called to examine it before it was opened. Officials later determined the package did not pose an explosive threat. (Corrections1)
The drone used in the delivery was recovered outside the prison, and no arrests have been announced. The incident remains under investigation. (https://www.wwnytv.com)
Corrections officials say drones are an increasing concern across the state’s prison system, with multiple similar incidents reported in the past year. The case adds to calls from state leaders to strengthen laws targeting illegal drone activity near correctional facilities. (WHAM)
Sources
Associated Press
https://apnews.com/article/drone-prison-new-york-contraband-ae07df47d1abe569be6583e03fb89dc4
NBC5 / WPTZ
https://www.mynbc5.com/article/drone-contraband-marcy-correctional-facility/70784786
WWNY
https://www.wwnytv.com/2026/03/18/drone-delivers-knives-drugs-bandanas-state-prison/
