An investigation into a drone flying over North Kern State Prison (NKSP) has resulted in a federal prison sentence for a Delano resident.
Due to the results of the investigation, the person was convicted and sentenced to 12 years, seven months for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The investigation, led by NKSP, Kern Valley State Prison and CDCR’s Special Service Unit-Fresno, started on June 9, 2024, when NKSP staff conducted a search of the grounds after the drone sighting. They found a green handball containing two balloons. Laboratory analysis confirmed the balloons contained a total of 21.4 grams of methamphetamine.
The same day, a second drone crashed into a nearby field, and a local farmer contacted NKSP officials. They recovered the drone and three similarly packaged balloons of methamphetamine. After sending the substances to a lab, officials confirmed these balloons were filled with 49.6 grams of methamphetamine.
A forensic examination of the recovered drone found camera footage captured by the device. Investigators were able to identify the pilot, Jorge Narvaez, because the drone recorded footage of him operating it. The drone, an EVO II Pro V3, can fly at 27 mph, build 3-D maps in real time, and stay in the air for over 30 minutes.
Connecting the dots
As part of the investigation, which included assistance from several CDCR units and local law enforcements agencies, NKSP staff seized an incarcerated person’s cellphone. Then they obtained a warrant to search its contents. NKSP’s Investigative Services Unit found messages on the phone that revealing money was sent to a CashApp account for the purchase of a drone and other items.
Investigators then obtained another warrant, discovering an Amazon purchase with the same name for a drone with a “drone airdrop system.” The purchase also included a dozen green handballs, a cellphone, and SIM card.
On July 26, 2024, Delano police pursued a car linked to Narvaez. The car hit a curb and became disabled, and the driver got away on foot. Police searched the car and found a wallet containing Narvaez’s driver’s license and a drone.
Narvaez pleaded guilty Oct. 20, 2025.
Reducing contraband activity
In response to increased drone sightings and discoveries, CDCR has begun a proof-of-concept testing of drone detection solutions at select sites. The department will continue to evaluate options for successfully interdicting contraband introduced via these other pathways.
“CDCR strongly believes a multilayered approach is the most effective way to reduce contraband activity,” said Jim Harden, chief of the Office of Correctional Safety. “This approach includes heightened physical security, disrupting gang activity and other drug distribution systems, and closing avenues of entry for contraband.”
Find more information on CDCR’s interdiction efforts here: CDCR’s Contraband Interdiction Efforts – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/contraband-interdiction/)
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