A woman arrested last December following an investigation into an alleged drug-smuggling operation at Hays State Prison has now been indicted by a Chattooga County grand jury on multiple felony drug charges.
Santana LaJuana Jackson was indicted on two counts of trafficking in drugs, two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, crossing a guard line with contraband and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The charges stem from an investigation that began December 21, 2025, after authorities received information about suspicious activity near Hays State Prison.
According to information reported by WZQZ News at the time, a witness reported seeing a woman get out of a vehicle and place a suspicious package in a wooded area near Underwood Drive, close to the prison.
Chattooga County deputies responded to the area and reportedly discovered a laundry detergent box containing a pair of black Nike shoes. A cell phone was also found nearby.
The investigation eventually led authorities to Jackson.
According to the original report, officials at Hays State Prison reviewed surveillance video that appeared to show Jackson exchanging shoes with an inmate inside the prison.
When prison personnel examined the shoes, authorities said they discovered a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside the soles.
Jackson allegedly acknowledged that the shoes and cell phone discovered near Underwood Drive belonged to her.
Investigators alleged the drugs were intended to be taken into Hays State Prison for distribution. Special agents with the Georgia Department of Corrections assisted the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.
The December arrest came amid continuing efforts by state and local law enforcement to combat contraband entering Hays State Prison.
WZQZ News had reported just days before Jackson’s arrest on continuing contraband-smuggling attempts involving Hays and other Georgia prisons. Methods used in prison contraband operations have included outside drops and drones, with authorities recovering drugs, cell phones and other prohibited items.
The problem has continued into 2026. In September, a large drone carrying suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, cell phones and other items crashed on Chattooga County property on Stockade Road in Summerville. Authorities believe that the drugs were likely headed to Hays State Prison.
Jackson’s case has now moved from the initial arrest and investigation to a formal grand jury indictment in Chattooga County Superior Court.
An indictment is a formal accusation and does not constitute a finding of guilt. Jackson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Sources:
WZQZ News / ChattoogaInfo — More Details About December 21st Alleged Drug Drop Near Hays State Prison
WZQZ News / ChattoogaInfo — Contraband Crackdown: Hays State Prison Again In The Spotlight As Smuggling Attempts Continue Across Georgia
Chattooga County Superior Court — Grand Jury Indictment
WZQZ News / ChattoogaInfo — Drone Carrying Drugs And Cell Phones Crashes On Chattooga County Property
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