Two Arrested for Using ‘Meth Cannon’ at Louisiana Prison

Authorities at a federal prison in Louisiana have arrested two men in connection with a plot to smuggle contraband items into that facility. The federal facility is one of four federal lockups that are operated in the state. Among those facilities are the Federal Correctional Institution at Oakdale, Louisiana, and the Federal Correctional Institution in Pollock Louisiana. 

The incident in question occurred at the Pollock Facility in Grant, Parish. Authorities there say two men from Colorado attempted to smuggle $112,000 worth of tobacco and $89,500 worth of methamphetamine inside that correctional facility. The men allegedly planned to use an air cannon to blast the contraband items over the prison fences and walls.

Further investigation revealed that the men planned to use a commercially produced compressed air cannon to launch the items some 350 feet into the prison population. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain said the smuggling operation was uncovered by a sharp-eyed deputy who noticed some strange behavior going on near the prison walls.

The deputy intercepted the two men who were allegedly attempting to smuggle the contraband into the prison and arrests were made. According to police reports, 18-year-old Jose Francisco Herrera Munoz, and 19-year-old Angel Gonzales Gutierrez both of Colorado were arrested and charged with attempting to introduce contraband into a penal institution and attempting to distribute methamphetamine.

A subsequent investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement found that Munoz was in the country illegally. A detainer has been placed on him while authorities conclude their investigation.