Agency News
Virginia Department of Corrections Intercepts Large Attempted Drone Delivery of Contraband at Sussex I State Prison
August 24, 2026
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Office of Law Enforcement Services (OLES) is investigating the interception of a large package containing approximately $324,000 (prison value) worth of contraband after an attempted drone incursion at Sussex I State Prison in the early hours of Monday, August 24.
VADOC corrections team members discovered a suspicious package at the facility at approximately 1:30 a.m. Monday. The resulting seizure led to the discovery of the following items:
A one-pound bag of suspected methamphetamine
One bag containing 20 pages of paper that appeared to be saturated in an unknown liquid
Multiple hex wrenches of varying sizes
Two small bottles of glue
17 cellphones with charging cables
Three USB Wi-Fi adapters
Two Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards
30 disposable lighters
Two cartons of cigarettes
One pound of loose-leaf tobacco
Three packs of cigars
Two bottles of professional-grade tattoo ink
Two bottles of perfume
“This investigation is an important reminder that some people will use sophisticated methods in an attempt to smuggle drugs and other dangerous contraband into Virginia Department of Corrections facilities,” said VADOC Director Joseph W. Walters. “I thank our institutional staff at Sussex I State Prison for their vigilance and focus on ensuring the safety and security of our facility. Our dedicated correctional staff and OLES members stand ready to intercept any dangerous contraband that individuals may attempt to introduce into correctional settings to ensure the safety and security of our dedicated corrections team members, of incarcerated individuals in our custody, of probationers, and of people in communities all across the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Anyone with information concerning attempted smuggling into a VADOC facility is urged to call OLES at 540-830-9280.
OLES continues to investigate this incident. No further information will be released at this time.