• Meet Our Team
  • Advertise on SCDN
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
Tuesday, April 28
Scioto County Daily News
  • Login
  • Register
Subscribe For $1/week
  • Public Safety
    parents arrested after spelling homework argument

    Spelling Homework Argument Ends with Two Parents in Handcuffs

    South WEbster High Speed chase

    “THEY’RE CHASING ME!” — NIGHT OF 911 CALLS TURNS INTO HIGH-SPEED SCARE IN SOUTH WEBSTER

    body discovered on 5th street

    BODY FOUND ON 5TH STREET, CORONER CALLED TO SCENE

    copper heist leave school without water

    Copper Heist Leaves School Without Water — Intruder Cuts Lines in Overnight Break-In

    Flowers vanish from Multiple Graves

    GRAVE ROBBERY? FLOWERS VANISH FROM MULTIPLE GRAVES AT MINFORD CEMETERY

    A car dashboard showing an illuminated “Oil Change Required” warning with a wrench icon next to the speedometer.

    5 Dangers of Skipping Regular Oil Changes

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 04/28/26 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    “THEY’RE TRYING TO KILL ME” — Nursing Home Patient Begs for Help at Kroger

    Dual domestic violence arrest

    CHILD’S 911 CALL LEADS TO DUAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARRESTS

    Vape detector expose drug use

    Vape Detector Tattles — Middle School Student Busted With THC at School

    Dogs wont stop barking

    Barking Dogs Spark Repeat Calls — Deputies Back Again for Ongoing Noise Complaints

    He said he'd kill everyone

    HE SAID HE’D KILL EVERYONE” — LATE-NIGHT CLERK LOCKS DOWN STORE DURING SCARE

    Woman Bit by Dog

    Woman Bit by German Shepherd at Campground — Another Dog Call as System Stays Stretched

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 04/27/26 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    Locked out with dog inside

    LOCKED OUT, DOG INSIDE — DEPUTIES FORCE ENTRY TO HELP WHEELERSBURG WOMAN

    murphy busted in pedo string

    Greenup Man Busted in Pedo Sting

    Woman thrown from moving car

    Picked Up for a Ride — Then Beaten and Kicked From a Moving Vehicle

    Road Rage

    Road Rage – But Who’s Telling The Truth?

    Portsmouth Paving Levy

    Portsmouth Looking to Renew Street Paving Levy for November Ballot

    speedway threats

    THREATS WITH A GUN, PEPPER SPRAY AT SPEEDWAY — BUSY SHIFT FOR PORTSMOUTH POLICE

  • Lawrence County
  • Politics
    Where did paving money go

    Where Did the Paving Money Go? Portsmouth Spent $2.39 Million on Streets in Four Years

    Land bank overhaul

    Land Bank Overhaul Promised After Complaints About Fairness

    45000 and nothing to show

    $45,000 and Nothing to Show: Portsmouth Wraps Up Costly Lawsuit Filed by Former Mayor

    Scioto County Road Work

    $29 Million in Road Work — Here’s How Scioto County Is Fixing Streets (And Why It Matters to You)

    Dog Shelter Drama Under Investigation

    “We Know What’s Going On”: Commissioners Push Back, Say Dog Shelter Drama Is Under Investigation

    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 

  • Feel Good
    Stadium Plan revealed

    $10 Million Spartan Stadium Plans Revealed

    PPD to the rescue

    Woman With Walker Tries To Hike to McDermott – PPD to the Rescue

    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 

  • Obituaries
    Frank H. Potter

    Frank H. Potter, 69 of South Shore

    Joseph V. Johnson

    Joseph V. Johnson, 76 of Otway

    Betty Sharon Dupuy, 84 of South Shore

     Maddison Olivia Leightenheimer

     Maddison Olivia Leightenheimer, 22, of Greenville

    Timothy Lee Sizemore, 68 of Portsmouth

    Nola Ruth Kelley

    Nola Ruth Kelley, 87of Lucasville

    Travis Wayne Bratton

    Travis Wayne Bratton, 80, of Portsmouth

    Rosa A. Cooper

    Rosa A. Cooper, 88, of Limeville, Kentucky

    Zoe Rideout 32 of Portsmouth

    Marilyn Timberlake Richards

    Marilyn Timberlake Richards, 85, of South Shore

    Lowell Glenn Eldridge

    Lowell Glenn Eldridge, 82 of Portsmouth

    obit-infant-small

     Esmeray Lee Ellen infant

    Grigore F. Beldean

    Grigore F. Beldean 61 of Portsmouth

    Dennis Michael "Mike" Ridout

    Dennis Michael Ridout, 83, of Minford

    Brenda Lynn Beattie

    Brenda Lynn Beattie, 67 of Piketon

    Deanna Kaye Adams

    Deanna Kaye Adams, 79, of Wheelersburg

    Rosco Claude Webb

    Rosco Claude Webb, 42 of Lucasville

    Billy Lee Byrd

    Billy Lee Byrd, 67 of Waverly

    Stanley A. Mitchell

    Paul Fannin, 82 of South Shore,

    Johnny Ray Allen

    Corporal Johnny Ray Allen, 49,of Wheelersburg

  • 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.




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

Where Did the Paving Money Go? Portsmouth Spent $2.39 Million on Streets in Four Years

Betty Sharon Dupuy, 84 of South Shore

“THEY’RE CHASING ME!” — NIGHT OF 911 CALLS TURNS INTO HIGH-SPEED SCARE IN SOUTH WEBSTER

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?”

Please Support This Local Business



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

140 MPH HOT PURSUIT

140 MPH CHASE ENDS IN RIVER

April 25, 2026
Gun panic at Deemer's

MAN WITH GUN AT DEEMER’S SENDS EMPLOYEES LOCKING DOWN

April 24, 2026
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 04/24/26 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

April 24, 2026
murphy busted in pedo string

Greenup Man Busted in Pedo Sting

April 25, 2026
Multi agency investigation

MIDNIGHT STREET FIGHT SPIRALS INTO MULTI-AGENCY RAID — ROYAL INN UNDER SCRUTINY

April 24, 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.