Security Concerns at Lee Correctional Institution: Drone Smuggling Incident and Recent Violent Attacks
A recent incident at Lee Correctional Institution in South Carolina involved the interception of a drone attempting to smuggle contraband into the prison. The drone was carrying ingredients for a classic Southern meal, including Old Bay seasoning, crab legs, steak, cigarettes, and marijuana. The package was seized by prison officials before reaching any inmates.
No arrests have been made in connection with the drone incident, and the individuals responsible for operating the drone or expecting the package inside the prison remain unknown. Lee Correctional has a history of violence, with seven inmates killed and 17 injured in a violent incident in 2018. Recently, two inmates died in separate attacks, which are being investigated as suspected homicides by the South Carolina Department of Corrections Inspector General’s office.
Lee Correctional is a men's-only prison with split-custody facilities for inmates in "close" (high-security) and "medium security" units. The prison primarily houses violent offenders with longer sentences and those with behavioral issues. Located in Bishopville, approximately 50 miles east of Columbia, Lee Correctional is one of the close prisons in South Carolina designed to manage high-risk inmates. The Department of Corrections is working with law enforcement agencies to address security concerns at the facility.