THUNDER BAY – NEWS – The rise in illegal drone activity near correctional facilities has become a growing threat—not just to prison security, but to public safety across communities in Ontario.
Contraband drops by drones—ranging from weapons and drugs to cell phones—are increasingly linked to organized crime and violence inside institutions. But the issue doesn’t end at prison walls.
The OPP are noticing the trend and working with other agencies to prevent the delivery of contraband to inmates.
In several cases, packages intended for prisons have missed their targets, landing in public spaces. These stray drops present serious risks to residents, especially when they contain dangerous items like fentanyl, knives, or firearms.
Thunder Bay’s correctional facilities, like others across Ontario, are not immune. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Correctional Service Canada (CSC) are urging the public to stay alert and report suspicious drone-related activity.
Legal Ramifications Are Severe
Flying a drone near a prison without authorization can breach federal aviation laws and criminal statutes. Individuals caught participating in these operations—whether on the ground or remotely—can face serious charges, including drug trafficking, mischief, and even life imprisonment if lives are endangered.
What You Can Do
Residents near regional facilities—including those in Thunder Bay, Kenora, and across Ontario—are asked to report any of the following signs immediately:
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Drones flying near institutions, especially after dark. Look for flickering or glowing lights and listen for loud buzzing. Drones can fly long distances, sometimes from more than three kilometers away.
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Unfamiliar vehicles stopped on back roads or parked in unusual spots—especially those with out-of-province plates.
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Suspicious individuals loitering in fields, wooded areas, or trails, often dressed inappropriately for the conditions and possibly carrying remote controllers.
If you witness something suspicious, report it immediately by contacting:
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OPP: 1-888-310-1122 or 911 for urgent sightings
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CSC’s National Tip Line: 1-866-780-3784
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Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) (anonymous reporting available)
Your call could stop dangerous items from entering a correctional facility, protecting staff, inmates, and the wider community.
Together, we can disrupt illegal drone operations and help keep Ontario safer.
