Authorities in Louisiana say a creative but illegal smuggling attempt involving a drone and plastic bird decoys has led to the arrest of two Texas women accused of trying to deliver contraband into a federal prison.
According to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, the women allegedly used a drone to fly plastic crow decoys filled with drugs, cell phones, and tobacco into the grounds of the federal prison in Grant Parish. Investigators say the decoys were designed to disguise the contraband and avoid detection as the drone dropped them near the facility.
The suspects were identified as Melanie Jean Worthington, 38, of Joshua, Texas, and Kassy Marie Cole, 41, of Hurst, Texas. Authorities say the women admitted they were promised $40,000 to carry out the smuggling operation, according to a report from the KALB Digital Team.
Worthington was arrested on charges including possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and introducing contraband into a penal institution. Cole faces similar allegations, including possession of synthetic marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, bringing contraband into a prison, and an outstanding warrant, officials said.
Investigators say the unusual scheme involved packing illegal items inside plastic crow decoys before attaching them to a drone. The plan appeared to rely on the idea that the decoys would blend in with the environment or be overlooked once dropped near the prison.
However, authorities intercepted the attempt before the contraband could reach inmates.
Law enforcement officials say smuggling attempts at the Grant Parish Federal Prison have become a growing concern. The arrests of Worthington and Cole mark the ninth and tenth individuals taken into custody this year in connection with attempts to bring illegal items into the facility.
Contraband such as drugs and cell phones can pose serious security risks inside correctional facilities, enabling inmates to coordinate criminal activity or bypass monitoring systems. As a result, prisons and local law enforcement agencies have been increasingly focused on preventing new smuggling tactics — particularly those involving drones.
Drone-based smuggling has emerged as a challenge for prisons across the United States in recent years because the devices can fly over fences and deliver items quickly before authorities notice.
The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing, and officials are continuing to monitor for additional attempts to use drones or other methods to bring prohibited items into the prison.
For now, authorities say the arrests send a clear message that unconventional smuggling tactics will not go unnoticed.
