Police have caught alleged smugglers trying to sneak contraband into Indiana State Prison facilities, sometimes with drones.
In one recent attempt, the police were the ones with the drone.
Here’s a look at the recent incidents the South Bend Tribune has reported on, based on police and court documents:
March 21, 2025: Westville
After receiving a notification from a security company monitoring the Westville Correctional Facility’s airspace about a drone flying around the prison, the warden and a police officer walked along a tree line at the property. They said a man emerged from the brush and began to run.
Police eventually arrested the man and recovered the drone, a remote control and a cell phone they believe he was trying to sneak into the prison. They also found methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, tobacco and suboxone strips.
The suspect faces seven felonies related to dealing drugs and trafficking with an inmate, and he’s due in court in July on those charges.
April 3, 2025: Westville
Police responded after a drone was detected in the Westville Correctional Facility’s airspace. Authorities arrested a man who they believe had also been involved in a previous drug-trafficking incident at the prison. They said they found a duffel bag with marijuana, tobacco and rolling papers in it.
The suspect faces one felony charge for trafficking with an inmate. He’s due in court in July.
May 14, 2025: Michigan City
Police responded to a report of a drone flying near the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City around 2 a.m. Police arrested two men and found a backpack containing marijuana, buprenorphine and naloxone, along with equipment for the drone. It also included other contraband: a cell phone and tobacco and vape products.
Both suspects were charged with three felonies related to dealing drugs and trafficking with an inmate; a misdemeanor for resisting law enforcement; and a misdemeanor for marijuana possession. One is due in court in July and the other in August.
June 15, 2025: Michigan City
Westville prison security saw a car stop outside the prison and let a passenger out. The passenger walked toward the prison with a backpack containing tobacco, marijuana, rolling papers and cigars, police said. Officers used a drone equipped with a spotlight to locate the suspect, and later found the driver by identifying the vehicle.
The driver and passenger both face charges of trafficking with an inmate.
For more coverage, visit SouthBendTribune.com.
CONTRIBUTING: Stan Maddux.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Police say they’ve stopped smuggling attempts (sometimes with drones) at Indiana State Prisons
Reporting by Jenny Porter Tilley, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
