Two men from Texas are facing multiple federal charges after authorities say they tried to use a drone to deliver drugs into a federal prison in Louisiana.
According to officials, the suspects were arrested on March 12 near the Federal Correctional Institution in Pollock. Investigators allege the pair attempted to fly contraband over prison grounds using an unmanned aerial device.
Michael Blanco, 31, of Dallas, has been charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and introducing contraband into a correctional facility.
Sedarius Miles, 30, of Balch Springs, Texas, faces charges of introducing contraband into a prison, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Law enforcement officials say this marks the 11th and 12th arrests in 2026 linked to attempts to smuggle contraband into the same facility. Authorities have noted a growing trend of using drones to bypass traditional prison security measures.
Earlier this week, two women were also arrested in connection with a separate drone-related contraband attempt. In that case, investigators allege the suspects used plastic crow decoys as part of their plan to conceal the delivery device.
Officials continue to warn that drone-based smuggling operations are being closely monitored and aggressively prosecuted as correctional institutions increase surveillance and counter-drone enforcement efforts.
