Man arrested on several felony charges after attempting to smuggle drugs into jail using drone
Photo: drone in question
Chey Cody Smart has been arrested after allegedly using a drone in an attempt to smuggle drugs into a jail facility located in Orange, California.
Custody Intelligence Unit (CIU) investigators received word that a drone carrying narcotics had landed in the Theo Lacy Facility’s outdoor recreation area. Investigators counted approximately 15 muscle relaxers, about 15 Xanax pills, 4 grams of methamphetamine, and 2 grams of heroin.
Smart, a 43-year-old man from Costa Mesa, was identified as the suspect. After obtaining a search warrant for his residence, CIU discovered several items of interest, including fentanyl, illegal firearms, materials used for identity theft and fraudulent illegal activity, and a controller that was used for the drone in the incident. It was also found that Smart was renting the residence using fraudulent identification, and he was in possession of a stolen vehicle.
On September 14th, Smart was arrested and booked at Orange County Jail. He was charged with grand theft and multiple felony drug and firearms charges.
At the time of this arrest, the suspect had an additional warrant for his arrest out of Mendocino County, in which he was charged for felony weapons.
The release concludes, “‘The Custody Intelligence Unit is extremely proactive in intercepting narcotics attempting to come into our jails,” said Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes. ‘They have adopted an investigative strategy that includes locating the outside entities attempting to bring narcotics into our facilities, and this case is a great example of that work. We will continue to stay diligent in keeping those entrusted to our custody and care safe, and we will hold accountable those who attempt to threaten that safety.’”
