Bird-brained smuggling plot is foiled

 Bird-brained smuggling plot is foiled

Two women allegedly tried to use plastic crows to smuggle drugs into a prison in the US state of Louisiana. The pair are said to have piloted a drone carrying the fake birds – with shiny black beaks and eyes, and packets of methamphetamine taped to their backs – into Federal Correctional Institute Pollock. But they were caught and arrested.

Melanie Jean Worthington, 38, and Kassy Marie Cole, 41, both from Texas, face charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and taking contraband into a penal institution. Worthington is also charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and Cole with possession of synthetic marijuana with intent to distribute and an outstanding warrant.

Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a statement: “The crow decoys were being dropped from a drone, onto the grounds of the federal prison. They admitted to being paid $40,000 (£30,000) to smuggle these items.”