Drone News Update: Week 50 | Drone Drops Crab Legs, Steak & Marijuana Into South Carolina Prison | Drone Spots Hiker Stranded in Quicksand — Dramatic Utah Rescue| U.S. Army Europe & Africa Launches...

Drone Drops Crab Legs, Steak & Marijuana Into South Carolina Prison

In an unusual pre‑holiday twist at Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, South Carolina, prison guards intercepted a drone carrying contraband food and goods destined for inmates. The package — intended to resemble a festive feast — contained raw steak, crab legs, Old Bay seasoning, marijuana, and cigarettes, all dropped into the prison yard just weeks before Christmas.

Corrections officials described the scene with a bit of dark humor as “an early holiday Old Bay crab boil,” even as they highlighted a growing trend of drones being used to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities. The drone was seized, and although no arrests have been made yet, the incident underscores increasingly sophisticated attempts to bypass perimeter security. Read More (CBS)

Drone Spots Hiker Stranded in Quicksand — Dramatic Utah Rescue

An experienced hiker’s adventure in Utah’s Arches National Park took a dangerous turn when he stepped into quicksand and became stuck waist‑high in a remote canyon area. Despite the rarity of such incidents, the hiker spent several hours trapped in near‑freezing conditions until a drone spotted his struggle and guided rescuers to his precise location.

Rescue teams from Grand County Search and Rescue, equipped with ladders and traction boards, worked carefully to free him without making his situation worse. Using the drone’s aerial footage was crucial in navigating the difficult terrain and ensuring a safe rescue. Remarkably, the hiker was rescued unharmed, though shaken by the experience, and officials reminded others that quicksand — while rare — can pose real risks on backcountry trails. Read More (NBC News)

U.S. Army Europe & Africa Launches First Drone Warfighter Competition

In Germany’s Grafenwoehr Training Area, the U.S. Army Europe and Africa command recently hosted its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition — a multinational event designed to put unmanned aerial system (UAS) skills to the test. The competition, held from Dec. 8–10, 2025, challenged ten military teams from U.S. and allied forces to demonstrate their capabilities in operating drones under realistic, complex scenarios.

Beyond pure flight skills, the event emphasized integrating drones into combined military operations, reinforcing readiness and innovation. Army leadership highlighted the importance of such competitions in preparing forces to leverage drone technology as part of a modern warfare strategy. Read More (U.S. Department of War)