A Florida man, James Key III, aged 45 from Eustis, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a drone-based fentanyl smuggling scheme into multiple prisons across California, Florida, and South Carolina between December 2024 and August 2025.

Key allegedly coordinated with incarcerated individuals to facilitate the operation, which involved disguising fentanyl on paper sheets bundled with synthetic grass and flying these packages into restricted prison areas via drones.

The targeted facilities included the U.S. Penitentiary in Atwater, California, among others, indicating a widespread scheme involving multiple correctional institutions.

The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury, charges Key with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and working with inmates to introduce drugs and contraband cellphones into prisons.

The investigation was led by the FBI and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak prosecuting the case.

If convicted, James Key III faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for his role in this operation.

The contraband, including fentanyl-laced paper and illegal cellphones, posed serious threats by enabling drug distribution and further criminal activities within prisons.

Authorities warn that the use of drones for smuggling narcotics is increasing, raising significant security concerns both on the streets and inside correctional facilities.

The scheme reportedly took place over nearly nine months, from December 16, 2024, to August 17, 2025, targeting facilities in Atwater, Florida, and South Carolina.

This case follows a recent incident involving another Florida man, Jason Brooks, who was arrested after flying a drone with methamphetamine and fentanyl into a home, highlighting a growing trend of drone-based drug trafficking.