Two Colorado men were arrested in Louisiana after authorities uncovered their plan to use an air cannon to launch packages of methamphetamine and tobacco over a federal prison’s security fence.
Jose Francisco Herrera Munoz, 18, and Angel Gonzales Gutierrez, 19, were caught near the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock, Louisiana, before they could fire the contraband into the prison yard. According to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, the men had $112,000 worth of tobacco and $89,500 in methamphetamine ready to be launched.
Illegal immigrant and friend caught trying to launch drugs into federal prison with air cannonhttps://t.co/yT2CyrL2iv
— Not the Bee (@Not_the_Bee) February 19, 2025
The device they intended to use—a compressed-air cannon—is typically seen at sporting events, where it is used to shoot T-shirts into crowds. Authorities say this type of launcher is capable of propelling objects over 350 feet, easily clearing prison fences.
Grant Parish deputies were already investigating the attempted smuggling operation before intercepting the two men. When law enforcement moved in, they discovered the suspects in possession of the illicit materials and the cannon.
One of them is an illegal immigrant. This is the type of criminal that Colorado Democrats give sanctuary in Colorado?#copolitics
Colorado men arrested trying to send tobacco, meth into Louisiana prison with air cannon https://t.co/tNQR8kME3X
— Mr T 2 (@GovtsTheProblem) February 21, 2025
Both men were charged with attempting to introduce contraband into a penal institution and attempting to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has also placed a detainer on Munoz, as authorities identified him as an illegal immigrant.
The incident comes as FCI Pollock, a high-security prison housing 870 inmates, has suspended visitations indefinitely.
