# Drone contraband smuggling in Australian prisons

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/drone-contraband-smuggling-in-australian-prisons
> Updated: 2026-09-26T00:41:52.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

In New South Wales, Australia, two men aged 31 and 38 were arrested and charged following an alleged attempt to smuggle contraband into the Cooma Correctional Centre using a drone. 

Police reported seeing a drone flying over the prison and subsequently located the suspects in a nearby park. Authorities recovered a drone box, a controller, mobile phones, and SIM cards, while a drone with an attached package was found in a nearby creek. The package reportedly contained cannabis, tobacco, a mobile phone, and other prohibited items. 

The suspects face charges including operating a drone in prohibited airspace, unlawfully attempting to deliver items to inmates, and supplying cannabis. This incident is part of a broader trend of drone-related contraband attempts at various Australian correctional facilities, including Goulburn and Townsville.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Two men arrested over alleged drone drug-drop at NSW prison

Two men face charges after allegedly attempting to smuggle cannabis, tobacco, and mobile phones into a New South Wales prison using a drone.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/two-men-arrested-over-alleged-drone-drug-smuggling-attempt-at-nsw-prison

### 2026-09-19: Midlands Prison: Six prisoners overdose after drone drug drop

Six prisoners at Ireland's Midlands Prison overdosed after drugs were dropped into the facility by a drone, resulting in four hospitalisations and increased security measures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/midlands-prison-six-prisoners-overdose-after-drone-drug-drop

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Cite as: Drone contraband smuggling in Australian prisons. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/drone-contraband-smuggling-in-australian-prisons