MARCY, NY - The New York State Department of Corrections & Community Supervision said that a drone was used to drop contraband into Marcy Correctional Facility.
Prison staff detected the drone around 1:00 a.m. on March 14, CNY Central reported. The drone released a package containing the contraband between two dormitory buildings inside the prison fence. The package contained two 8-inch double-edged knives, approximately 530 grams of a "green leafy substance," five pieces of paper saturated in intoxicating chemicals, one cell phone, two hair clippers with chargers and accessories, and four bandanas.
The drone was then captured outside the prison fence. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. "Contraband introduced into correctional facilities fuels violence and puts both staff and the incarcerated population at risk. The use of drones to deliver weapons, drugs, and cell phones is a growing problem that our correctional system is facing as we continue to close off other means of introducing contraband into our facilities," DOCCS Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III said in a statement.
"I want to thank our staff at Marcy for their quick and decisive action this weekend to ensure the safety and security of our facility. DOCCS is working closely with our union partners to support Governor Hochul’s legislation, which would provide important tools to prevent unlawful drone activity and better protect those who live and work inside our facilities every day. I strongly encourage the Legislature to approve this critical public safety proposal," he added.
In her Fiscal Year 2027 budget, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed several pieces of legislation to tighten laws regarding drones. They include:
- Prohibiting the use of drones in a nefarious manner and restricting drone activity over sensitive locations, including correctional facilities;
- Establishing new criminal offenses for unlawful drone activity;
- Expanding the authority of trained law enforcement agencies to detect, intercept, and disable drones that pose a public safety threat, with any mitigation actions reported to the New York State Police; and
- Directing the State Police to establish a registry known as the New York State Blue List, identifying approved drones and drone mitigation technology that may be purchased by the State.
The FAA already prohibits drones over federal facilities. Pending legislation in New York State seeks to prohibit civilian drone flights within 500 feet of a prison.
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