7 Arrested in Texas Prison Contraband Smuggling Scheme Using Drones

Three suspects from Houston area among those charged with engaging in organized crime

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single drone propeller against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the technology used to smuggle illegal items into a prison.The use of drones to smuggle contraband into prisons has become an alarming security threat, as this bust of a large-scale smuggling operation at a Texas facility illustrates.Houston Today

Seven people, including three from the Houston area, have been arrested in connection with a large-scale contraband smuggling operation at a Texas prison. Authorities say the suspects used drones to deliver illegal items such as cell phones, methamphetamine, and synthetic cannabinoids into the facility.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of contraband smuggling in prisons and the creative methods used by criminal networks to bypass security measures. It also raises concerns about the potential misuse of drone technology to facilitate illegal activities within correctional facilities.

The details

The arrests stem from a January 2026 operation led by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Office of Inspector General at the Mark W. Michael Unit in Tennessee Colony. Investigators say they confiscated more than 100 cell phones, along with methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoids, and other narcotics during the operation. Among those arrested are three people from the Houston area: Dalen Bright of Webster, Amber Smith of Missouri City, and Joshua Rider of Houston. The four other suspects are from Dallas, Plano, Krum, and DeKalb. Two of the suspects, Mari Cazares of Dallas and Janet Gutherie of DeKalb, are former correctional officers with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

  • The arrests stem from a January 2026 operation.

The players

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

The state agency responsible for operating the prison system in Texas.

Office of Inspector General

The investigative arm of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice that led the operation.

Dalen Bright

A suspect from Webster, Texas, who was arrested in connection with the contraband smuggling operation.

Amber Smith

A suspect from Missouri City, Texas, who was arrested in connection with the contraband smuggling operation.

Joshua Rider

A suspect from Houston, Texas, who was arrested in connection with the contraband smuggling operation.

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What they’re saying

“Let this be a clear warning: if you try to smuggle contraband into TDCJ correctional facilities, you will be caught and you will be held accountable.”

— Lance Coleman, Inspector General

“This operation underscores both the risks posed by contraband and the strength of our response. We will remain relentless in our fight to stop illegal narcotics from entering and harming those in our facilities.”

— Bobby Lumpkin, TDCJ Executive Director

What’s next

The investigation into the contraband smuggling operation remains ongoing, and authorities say additional charges and arrests are possible.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing the smuggling of contraband into prisons, as well as the creative methods used by criminal networks to bypass security measures. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and the development of more effective strategies to combat this issue and protect the safety of both inmates and correctional staff.