Alleged prison drug-drop plan foiled after drone crash

Two men have been charged after an alleged attempt to smuggle drugs into a prison in Cooma, New South Wales, using a drone, according to prosecutors. On Friday, correctional officers reported seeing two men flying a drone above the prison with a large item attached underneath it. The drone veered off course and crashed into a nearby creek, leading to the arrest of the alleged drone operator, Edmond Alija, 31, and the arrest of Simon Mihajlovski, 38, nearby.

Police allege the drone contained a green sock packed with methamphetamine, cannabis, tobacco, superglue, and a mobile phone, totaling around $130,000 in value. The men were charged with operating a drone in prohibited airspace, unlawfully attempting to deliver items to an inmate, and supplying drugs. Mihajlovski claimed he was unaware of the plot, but the prosecutor argued he should not receive bail due to concerns about interfering with evidence.

Mihajlovski was granted bail with strict conditions, including no contact with Alija, while Alija will return to court in October.