A Georgia man is behind bars after authorities in Ware County uncovered a major drug and contraband smuggling operation involving the use of a drone to deliver illegal substances into a correctional facility.
Santonio Knighton, 27, of Union City, was arrested Wednesday after Ware County detectives, acting on intelligence, spotted him operating a drone near a residence in the 3800 block of Blalock Avenue. Officers quickly moved in and detained him without incident.
Following the arrest, investigators obtained a search warrant for Knighton’s rental vehicle and temporary residence. The search turned up a large quantity of illegal narcotics and other prohibited materials.
Authorities seized approximately half a pound of fentanyl, one pound of methamphetamine, five pounds of marijuana, and thirty pounds of tobacco, along with 14 cell phones and other contraband commonly smuggled into prisons.
Knighton is currently being held without bond at the Ware County Jail, facing multiple charges, including:
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Trafficking in Fentanyl
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Trafficking in Methamphetamine
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Felony Intentional Use of an Unmanned Aircraft
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Possession of Fentanyl
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Possession of Methamphetamine
The Ware County Sheriff’s Office credited the Georgia State Patrol and the Georgia Department of Corrections K-9 and Investigation Division for their assistance. Sheriff James also commended Deputies Cpl. Daniel Guest, Wayne Thrift Jr., and Ethan Arnold for their roles in the operation.
Officials described the bust as a significant step in curbing the use of drones for drug smuggling into correctional facilities.
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