Two Georgia teens allegedly used drone to drop drugs, phones and blades at prison, face charges

Two Georgia teens were arrested after allegedly using a drone to deliver contraband, including 2.95 pounds of marijuana, cell phones, razor blades, and tobacco products, to Washington State Prison in Davisboro on May 3. Authorities intercepted the drop after noticing suspicious vehicle activity near the medium-security facility, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation identified the suspects as 17-year-old Mariana Torres and 19-year-old Anyela Contreas Torres, who were taken into custody without incident. They face multiple charges, including using an unmanned aircraft to deliver contraband, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of weapons and tools during the crime. Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran previously stated that drone-related contraband incidents have surged over the past four years, with his department arresting 17 individuals for attempted drops since the start of 2025. Nearly half (44%) of the inmates at the Washington County Jail are now facing charges related to prison deliveries, Cochran said, calling it a growing burden on taxpayers. Georgia passed Senate Bill 6 in 2019 to prohibit drone deliveries of contraband to prisons, but authorities continue to encounter such attempts. Cochran attributed the rise in incidents to advancements in drone technology, including larger payload capacities and improved functionality. The seized contraband included bags of marijuana, rolling papers, wireless headphones, and over two dozen lighters, along with razor blades found hidden in a nearby field. The case highlights the evolving challenges prisons face in countering drone-based smuggling operations.