--- title: Drones are the New Contraband Smugglers | SkySafe description: Since 2020, more than two million uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), most commonly known as drones, have been registered by law to the Federal Aviation Administration. In 2022, more than 855,000 new registrations have been filed thus far—and this says nothing of the drones that are purchased and never registered. 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May 24th, 2023 Since 2020, more than two million uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), most commonly known as drones, have been registered by law to the Federal Aviation Administration. In 2022, more than 855,000 new registrations have been filed thus far—and this says nothing of the drones that are purchased and never registered. With drones accessible to the general public, secure facilities like jails and prisons are now encountering skyrocketing cases of drones smuggling contraband such as drugs, weapons, ammunition, lighters, escape kits, cell phones, and more. Violations of prison security occur across the country on a near daily basis, and the risks of a breach are only increasing with airspace becoming more and more crowded with small, easy to purchase drones. Understanding which devices are threats will support positive drone enablement while countering the dangerous ones. Read the full article in [American Jail Association Magazine](https://americanjailassociation.foleon.com/american-jails-magazine/american-jails-january-february-2023-copy-1-copy-1/article-3-drones-are-the-new-contraband-smugglers). ## Our Featured Blogs ![Drone Interception with SkySafe](https://blog.skysafe.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Drone%20Interception%20with%20SkySafe.png?width=600&name=Drone%20Interception%20with%20SkySafe.png) Aug 18, 2026 ### Drone Interception Explained: From Detection to Effective Response [Learn More](https://blog.skysafe.io/drone-interception-explained) ![anti-drone technology no drone zone](https://blog.skysafe.io/hs-fs/hubfs/no%20drone%20zone.png?width=600&name=no%20drone%20zone.png) Aug 5, 2026 ### Anti-Drone Technology: What Security Leaders Need to Know Before Investing [Learn More](https://blog.skysafe.io/anti-drone-technology-what-security-leaders-need-to-know-before-investing) ![](https://blog.skysafe.io/hs-fs/hubfs/diana-macesanu-fvPfMJL2wKw-unsplash.jpg?width=600&name=diana-macesanu-fvPfMJL2wKw-unsplash.jpg) Jul 21, 2026 ### Remote ID Isn't Drone Detection [Learn More](https://blog.skysafe.io/remote-id-is-not-drone-detection) ![UAV Forensics SkySafe and Cellebrite Partnership](https://blog.skysafe.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Skysafe%20x%20Cellebrite.png?width=600&name=Skysafe%20x%20Cellebrite.png) Jul 9, 2026 ### UAV Forensics Meets Digital Investigations: SkySafe and Cellebrite Expand Strategic Partnership [Learn More](https://blog.skysafe.io/uav-forensics-skysafe-and-cellebrite-partnership) ![](https://blog.skysafe.io/hs-fs/hubfs/ulm_campus_2026_media.jpg?width=600&name=ulm_campus_2026_media.jpg) Jul 6, 2026 ### How to Get Funding for a Drone Defense System: Lessons from a FEMA-Funded University Deployment [Learn More](https://blog.skysafe.io/how-to-get-funding-for-drone-defense-system) ![](https://blog.skysafe.io/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-2167215666.jpg?width=600&name=iStock-2167215666.jpg) Jul 2, 2026 ### Section 2209 Is a Turning Point for Critical Infrastructure Security [Learn More](https://blog.skysafe.io/faa-section-2209-nprm-explained) ![](https://blog.skysafe.io/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-2227472152.jpg?width=600&name=iStock-2227472152.jpg) Jun 18, 2026 ### SkySafe Launches National Campus and Higher Education Airspace Intelligence Pricing Incentive [Learn More](https://blog.skysafe.io/skysafe-launches-national-campus-and-higher-education-airspace-intelligence-pricing-incentive) ![](https://blog.skysafe.io/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1198258925.jpg?width=600&name=iStock-1198258925.jpg) May 14, 2026 ### Modernize Energy Grid Security with These 5 Takeaways from GridEx VIII [Learn More](https://blog.skysafe.io/5-takeaways-from-gridex-viii) ![](https://blog.skysafe.io/hs-fs/hubfs/BOP%20Beaumont%20Operator%20Apprehension.png?width=600&name=BOP%20Beaumont%20Operator%20Apprehension.png) May 8, 2026 ### How to Track Drone Flight History with Flight Telemetry & Historical Logs [Learn More](https://blog.skysafe.io/how-to-track-drone-flight-history-with-flight-telemetry-historical-logs) ![RF Drone Detection](https://blog.skysafe.io/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-2192695985-1.jpg?width=600&name=iStock-2192695985-1.jpg) Apr 30, 2026 ### RF Drone Detection: The Silent Guardian of the Skies [Learn More](https://blog.skysafe.io/rf-drone-detection-guardian-of-the-skies) View All Blogs [![skysafe logo](https://blog.skysafe.io/hubfs/skysafe%20logo.svg "skysafe logo")](https://blog.skysafe.io/) SkySafe's drone detection system empowers organizations to take control of their airspace, ensuring safety, security, and peace of mind. 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