• Meet Our Team
  • Advertise on SCDN
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
Monday, April 6
Scioto County Daily News
  • Login
  • Register
Subscribe For $1/week
  • Public Safety
    woman wanders into road

    Woman Spotted Flailing in Traffic on US 23

    3 million to fix road

    $3.3 Million Coming to Fix Roads — But Maybe Not the Ones You’re Thinking Of

    drug crisis on kendall avenue

    Drug Crisis on Kendall Avenue—Overdose, Needles, and Calls for Help in a Single Day

    Change Jar Vanishes — And So Did His Gun

    contest scammers target small town

    Contest Scammers Target A Small Town

    Dog attacks chickens

    Chickens Killed in South Webster — Dog Complaints Continue Even as Shelter Faces Crisis

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 04/06/26 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    identity theft nightmare

    Phone Call Turns Into Identity Theft Nightmare

    2AM Fire, Confusion, and Crowd Issues—Crews Battle Blaze on Highland Bend

    wrong way driver

    Wrong-Way Driver Gets a Warning—Passenger Goes to Jail Instead

    under the house

    “Someone’s Under the House” – PPD Called to Investigate

    Nursing home assault

    Nursing Home Assault Leads to Arrest—Then Medical Emergency at Jail

    rabid racoon on rose street

    Rabid Raccoon on Rose Street

    Arson

    Man Denied Hotel Room Sets Hillside on Fire

    wanted man busted

    Wanted Man Busted at Marathon—Probation Violation Lands Him Back in Custody

    screams in the night

    Kicking Doors, Screaming—Residents Arm Themselves Before Police Step In

    caught in the act

    Flashlights in the Dark Lead Deputies to Men Stealing From Vacant Trailer

    woman arrested

    Toddler Overdose Scare Sends Deputies to Apartment—Woman Arrested on Drug Charges

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 04/02/26 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    show up to court

    Reports Break-In… Ends Up in Jail on Warrant Instead

  • Lawrence County
  • Politics
    Bad kids terrorize neighborhood

    Bad Kids Terrorize Neighborhood

    craft assault arrest

    Paroled Drug Trafficker Puts Up a Fight After Cops Bust Him in Traffic Jam

    Scioto County Investigating Potential Data Breach After Employees Fall for Phishing Scam

    Horton Davis

    Little Movement in Horton and Davis Corruption Cases as New Hearings Scheduled 

    Portsmouth City Council News

    Three “Emergency” Ordinances Headed to Portsmouth City Council Monday 

    Commissioner Scottie Powell

    Powell Blasts Proposed NDA Ban as “Lazy Legislation” 

    Commissioners Respond to Open Meetings Lawsuit Over Data Center

    Commissioners React to Proposed Ohio Law Banning NDAs for Elected Officials 

    Davis Horton

    Davis and Horton Corruption Cases Inch Forward with New Court Dates — But Don’t Expect Quick Resolutions 

    Scioto County Primary

    Scioto County Primary 101: Who’s Running, Who Isn’t — and Why This Election Matters 

    The entrance of a city hall building. It features four massive white columns and red brick siding.

    Overcoming 4 Common Challenges in Local Governance

    Adrian Harrison

    Adrian Harrison: A Working Class Voice for Scioto County

    Portsmouth City Council News

    Possible Zoning Changes Headed for Discussion in Portsmouth 

    After a Tumultuous 2025, Scioto County Commissioners Look Toward a Fresh Start in 2026 

    Packed Commission Meeting Highlights Debate Over Proposed Data Center Tax Abatement 

    Portsmouth City Council

    New Year Brings Changes to Portsmouth City Council 

    Commissioners

    What Comes Next for Economic Development After the Horton Scandal? 

    Portsmouth City Council

    Packed Chambers, Empty Power: How a Symbolic “Trans Sanctuary” Debate Took Over City Hall 

    Scioto County Economic Development

    From “Economic Development” to Indictments: How the Scioto County Scandal Unraveled — and Where Things Stand Now 

    Cathy Coleman

    Commissioners Honor Cathy Coleman With Heartfelt Christmas Tribute as Scioto County Celebrates the Season 

  • Feel Good
    Hippies

    Dear Dirty Hippies, ‘Sorry About That’

    Jenna Jenkins Eagle Scout

    History Made: Jenna Jenkins Becomes Scioto County’s First Female Eagle Scout

    A smiling woman is holding a wrapped present in her hands as someone gives it to her.

    Personal Gift Ideas That Will Hold Special Meaning

    Steve Hayes

    Scioto County Declares December 11 “Steve Hayes Day,” Honoring a Radio Legend After Nearly Six Decades on the Air 

    A silver thermal pouch sits alone on a white and gray background. The top of the bag is cut open.

    How To Choose the Right Closure for Thermal Pouches

    sending flowers to Japan

    Flower Delivery: Share Scioto’s Heart with Japan

    Honoring Scioto County’s First Town — and Its First People: New Heritage Trail Sign Dedicated at Earl Thomas Conley Park 

    A man approaching the bowling lane with a red bowling ball as his three friends in the background cheer him on.

    How Bowling Can Improve Your Mental Health

    A sleek blue sedan parked on concrete. Behind the vehicle is a view of the sky with a setting sun over a body of water.

    How To Make Your Daily Driver Feel Like a Sports Car

    A person's hand is holding a miniature wooden house with a green roof and a budding plant on top against a green background.

    How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

    A man sitting in a vehicle is handing over an ID card to a female police officer standing by his window.

    Tips for Staying Calm During Police Encounters

    Cyn Mackley

    Cyn Mackley Channels Haunted Appalachia

    A group of friends stand around a table, smiling, laughing, and drinking. There are plates of food on the table.

    Creative Ways To Host Outdoor Events This Summer

    A family of two parents and a young boy and girl are playing laser tag with vests and laser blasters in an arena.

    What Activities To Offer at a Family Fun Center

    Shawnee State University SSU

    Shawnee State University Joins New Athletic Conference, Adds Football to Lineup 

    BREAKING: Commissioners Make Shocking Decision—Halloween to Remain on Halloween 

    Escape to the Hills: A Summer Reading List Set in Appalachia 

    Scioto County Champs: Lady Trojans and Word Wizards Bring Home the Gold 

    Jackson

    “I Held Those Keys Tight” — One Man’s Harrowing Journey from Addiction to Hope 

    Three girls in quinceañera dresses stand beside one another. The one in middle has a gold dress while the other two wear pink.

    Tips for Selecting the Color of a Quinceañera Dress

  • Obituaries
    James David Burchett Jr

    James David Burchett Jr. 48, of West Union

    Stephen Meade

    Stephen Meade 47 of Lucasville

    Mary Anne Adams, 75 of Rarden

    Aaron Bradley Crabtree

    Aaron Bradley Crabtree, 55 of McDermott

    Jesse Lee Potter

    Jesse Lee Potter, 26 of Wheelersburg

    Louis Thomas McGue

    Louis Thomas McGue, 67, of Wheelersburg

    Diana Lee Maple

    Diana Lee Maple, 66, of West Portsmouth

    Stanley A. Mitchell

    Everett E. Fodge, 76 of Wheelersburg

    Mary Helen Willis

    Mary Helen Willis, 96 of Hillsboro

    Dr. Eugene John Valentine

    Dr. Eugene John Valentine 85 of Scioto County

    Joshua Stephen Michael Perkins

    Joshua Stephen Michael Perkins, 48, of Greenup

    James Michael Bailey

    James Michael Bailey, 80, of Portsmouth

    Marilyn Louise (Webb) Mercer

     Marilyn Louise Mercer, 85 of Portsmouth

    Robert McKinley Weaver Jr

    Robert McKinley Weaver Jr., 61 of Portsmouth

    Tonya Lea Cooley

    Tonya Lea Cooley, 57 of Portsmouth

    Teresa Ann Grose

    Teresa Ann Grose, 66 of Portsmouth

    Charlotte Swords

    Charlotte Swords, 67 of Portsmouth,

    Roger Todd Skaggs

    Roger Todd Skaggs, 52 of Wheelersburg

    Charles Clark

    Charles Dean Clark, 76 of Portsmouth,

    Stanley A. Mitchell

    James Schmidt, 78 of Portsmouth

  • More News
    • All News
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Education
    • Economy
    • Food & Drinks
    • Local Business
    • National
    • Opinion
    • Regional
    • Strange But True
    • Trending
No Result
View All Result
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Register
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result

Exposed: Tiny Phone Smuggling

The tiny phone business is booming

Mark Craycraft by Mark Craycraft
6 years ago
in Public Safety
ShareTweetEmail

The Truth Behind Tiny Phone Smuggling.

In an age where bigger is better, why is there such a demand for a tiny phone?

On the market today, we have the amazing technology of phones like:

  • iPhone 11
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20
  • OnePlus 8 Pro
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus
  • Moto G Power
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

These phones boast amazing camera features, huge screens, and high demand. However, there is also a booming market in the tiny phone world. But, who on Earth would want a phone that’s not much bigger than a cigarette lighter? The answer, those who aren’t supposed to have a phone. Hence, the Tiny Phone Smuggling market is born.

Please Support This Local Business




Not only are these phone’s tiny, but they are also made 100% out of plastic. Although the computer inside has silver components metals like silver, gold or platinum will not set off a metal detector. That’s why, if you have silver fillings in your teeth, your face won’t sound any alarms.

RELATED POSTS

Drug Crisis on Kendall Avenue—Overdose, Needles, and Calls for Help in a Single Day

Chickens Killed in South Webster — Dog Complaints Continue Even as Shelter Faces Crisis

James David Burchett Jr. 48, of West Union

Who is the largest consumer of these tiny phones? Prisoners.

There are 2.3 million prisoners in the U.S. and over 10 million prisoners worldwide. In addition, these tiny phones make for the perfect ‘burner” phone for criminals on the outside. Many have very limited technology (like GPS tracking).

If you’re doing “hard time”. There are deluxe models that offer all the features of a traditional smartphone. That includes cameras, Facebook, Youtube, and access to all the fun apps in the app store.

tiny Phone Smuggling

These phones are readily available on Amazon, Wish, Ebay, etc. The regular phones retail around $50 and the deluxe phones fetch about $100.

Some inside details were provided by a person who is currently incarcerated. “You don’t bring the phones in with you. There are cavity searches and you could easily catch more charges. However, once you’re in, you’ll be just fine.”

He went on to describe that in every county jail or state prison there is a marketplace for everything. “It won’t take more than a couple of days to find the guy that has the phones. It’s gonna cost you, but at that point, who cares?”



Some prisoners have even described having their visitors wrap the phone in a plastic baggie and dropping them into a drink container when visiting. “How often do they scan a drink? Never. They put it on top of the scanner and pass it straight through.”

There have been rap groups created in prison and posting their content on YouTube.

tiny Phone Smuggling

The tiny phone business is booming. They are even setting up vendor booths at popular electronic shows. They know their product is primarily targeted to those who need an easy “drop phone” or those that are smuggling phones into places where phones are banned.

Should companies that know their consumer base is largely involved in criminal activity be allowed to operate?

The final word goes to our inside source, “It’s the emotional segregation (in jail). I’ve got no problem sticking a phone up my ass. It means staying in contact with my loved ones.”

Tags: CyberFeaturedLawNewslettersafetyscam
Please Support This Local Business

TRENDING NOW

Roger Todd Skaggs

Roger Todd Skaggs, 52 of Wheelersburg

March 26, 2026
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 03/26/26 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

March 26, 2026
Ankle Monitor leads to body discovery

Ankle Monitor Leads Deputies to Body in Pond

March 25, 2026
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 03/25/26 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

March 25, 2026
Deceased man arrested

“Deceased” Man Arrested—Then Released After Probation Says He’s Alive

March 26, 2026

ABOUT US

We are a grassroots team of local journalists on a mission to give our community up-to-the-second news and events for Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Western West Virginia. We believe progress inspires change and we believe our reporting has become the front-lines of Portsmouth, Ohio's comeback.

CATEGORIES

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Casino
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • Food & Drink
  • Local Business
  • National
  • Obituaries
  • Ohio
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Public Safety
  • Regional
  • Strange But True
  • vavada
  • Video

AREAS SERVED

  • Portsmouth
  • Wheelersburg
  • Minford
  • Waverly
  • Friendship
  • Ironton
  • West Union
  • Piketon
  • Coal Grove
  • South Point
  • Vanceburg
  • Grayson
  • South Shore
  • Greenup
  • Raceland
  • Ashland

SITE SEARCH

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.