Drones are delivering contraband to inmates in prisons across the country, often in the dark of night, dropping items such as knives, cellphones, escape tools, crab legs, cigarettes, and a stuffed toy cat hiding drugs worth thousands of dollars. The issue has become so pervasive that 21 state attorneys general have sent a letter to the US National Security Council asking for help dealing with this increase in drone drops over prison grounds. They believe that loosening federal restrictions could limit state and local law enforcement's ability to respond to the issue. This year, South Carolina's 21 state prisons have reported 75 drone smuggling incidents this year and 273 incidents in 2025, according to a department spokesperson. Other unusual items include jewelry, escape devices, clothing, and even a toy cat hidden in the package. The South Carolina Department of Corrections estimates these items are worth $165,700 in the "prison economy".