Former Alabama Inmate Arrested After Allegedly Flying Drone with Contraband Toward Prison

A former Alabama inmate is facing multiple charges after authorities say he was caught flying a drone carrying contraband toward Holman Correctional Facility.

According to the Alabama Department of Corrections, the agency’s Southern K-9 unit received information around 6 p.m. Saturday, June 27, that someone was operating a drone from Interstate 65 toward the prison.

With assistance from the Atmore Police Department, officers located and arrested Edward Knight, a former inmate, without incident.

Investigators said the drone had a package attached, which was safely brought down and confiscated.

Knight was charged with first-degree possession of marijuana and two counts of illegal drone operation.

During the investigation, ADOC agents said they learned Knight had additional contraband at his residence in Birmingham. Investigators with the department’s Law Enforcement Services Division, K-9 unit and narcotics team later executed a search warrant at the home and seized additional evidence related to the case.

The investigation remains ongoing, and ADOC said additional charges could be filed.