7 Accused in Drone-Aided Prison Smuggling Scheme

Drugs, cell phones, and other contraband allegedly delivered to Texas prison via drone drops

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a seized cell phone or drug paraphernalia, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A sting operation uncovered a large-scale scheme to smuggle contraband into a Texas prison using drones, exposing the ongoing challenge of preventing illicit goods from entering correctional facilities.Webster Today

Seven individuals, including two former prison guards, have been arrested and charged with engaging in organized crime for their alleged roles in a large-scale scheme to smuggle drugs, cell phones, and other contraband into a Texas prison using drones. The Texas Office of Inspector General and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice conducted a sting operation that led to the seizure of over 100 cell phones and a large quantity of methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoids, and other illicit substances.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing challenge prisons face in combating the use of drones to bypass security measures and deliver prohibited items to inmates. The involvement of former correctional officers raises concerns about insider threats and the need for robust screening and oversight within the prison system.

The details

Authorities say the suspects used drones to fly packages of contraband, including cell phones and drugs, over the walls of the Mark W. Michael Unit prison in Anderson County, Texas. A sting operation led to the arrests of seven individuals from across Texas, including Dalen Bright, Amber Smith, Mari Cazares, Joshua Rider, Alyson Wells, John Pina, and Janet Gutherie. Cazares and Gutherie were former Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) correctional officers.

  • In January 2026, the TDCJ and the Texas Office of Inspector General (OIG) began an investigation after learning about the drone-aided smuggling scheme.
  • The sting operation that led to the arrests and seizure of contraband occurred in early 2026.

The players

Texas Office of Inspector General (OIG)

The state agency responsible for investigating criminal activity within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)

The state agency that oversees the Texas prison system, including the Mark W. Michael Unit where the smuggling scheme took place.

Lance Coleman

The Inspector General of the Texas Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Bobby Lumpkin

The Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

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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, Texas Office of Inspector General

“This operation underscores both the risks posed by contraband and the strength of our response.”

— Bobby Lumpkin, Executive Director, Texas Department of Criminal Justice

What’s next

The seven suspects have been booked into various Texas jails and will face charges of engaging in organized crime. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the smuggling operation and any potential additional accomplices.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of drone-enabled contraband smuggling into prisons, as well as the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance against insider threats from corrupt correctional officers. It underscores the ongoing challenges faced by prison systems in keeping illicit items out of the hands of inmates.