A drone carrying crab legs, steak, Old Bay seasoning, and marijuana crashed into a South Carolina prison yard, revealing how criminal networks are transforming contraband smuggling into an aerial delivery service that even includes gourmet dinner ingredients.
Story Snapshot
- Guards at Lee Correctional Institution intercepted a drone-dropped package containing marijuana, tobacco, crab legs, steak, and Old Bay seasoning
- The facility is already notorious for a 2018 riot that killed seven inmates and injured 17 others
- Two inmate homicides occurred at the same prison just one week before the drone incident
- No arrests were made and authorities could not identify who operated the drone or which inmates were the intended recipients
When Prison Contraband Goes Gourmet
Staff at Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, South Carolina, discovered something extraordinary when they seized a drone-dropped package from their prison yard. Alongside the expected marijuana, tobacco, and cigarettes, they found crab legs, steak, and Old Bay seasoning. The South Carolina Department of Corrections described it as “the makings of an Old Bay crab boil and steak dinner,” showcasing how contraband networks have evolved beyond basic drugs to include luxury food items that can command premium prices behind bars.
The incident highlights a troubling reality about modern prison security. Consumer drones now bypass traditional perimeter defenses with ease, delivering everything from narcotics to gourmet meals directly into prison yards. This particular drop demonstrates how sophisticated these operations have become, catering not just to addiction but to inmates’ desire for status symbols and comfort food that can establish social hierarchies within the prison walls.
A Prison Already Under Siege
Lee Correctional Institution carries a notorious reputation stemming from its April 2018 riot, one of the deadliest prison disturbances in recent U.S. history. Seven inmates died and 17 were injured during hours of gang-related violence that authorities directly linked to contraband disputes. The facility houses close-custody and medium-security inmates, including violent offenders and those with behavioral problems, creating an environment where contraband becomes a powerful currency.
The drone incident occurred during an especially violent period at the facility. Two separate inmate homicides happened just one week before the aerial delivery attempt, with investigations ongoing by the SCDC Inspector General, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and Lee County Coroner. This timing suggests either remarkable coincidence or a connection between the heightened violence and contraband supply chains that investigators have yet to uncover.
The Technology Challenge Prison Officials Face
Traditional prison security relies on controlling access points, monitoring visitors, and searching inmates and staff. Drones render these measures obsolete by simply flying over fences and dropping packages into yards or through windows. The technology is cheap, widely available, and extremely difficult to trace back to operators who can launch flights from public or private land well outside prison perimeters.
Prison administrators nationwide recognize this growing threat, with corrections trade publications now featuring extensive resources on drone detection systems and counter-drone technology. However, these solutions require significant investment and technical expertise that many state corrections systems struggle to fund and implement. Meanwhile, criminal networks continue to innovate, using everything from social media coordination to encrypted messaging to plan their aerial deliveries.
Sources:
Old Bay seasoning and pot? S.C. prison intercepts drone with gourmet contraband – Corrections1
