Lags using drones to fly everything from drugs to mustard direct to cell windows
CRIMINALS are using drones to fly everything from drugs to mustard direct to cell windows.
Gangs are employing specialist pilots, one police force has revealed.
The drone aces are flying mobile phones, shower gel, shampoo and condiments — such as mustard, ketchup and mayo — across prison walls, Greater Manchester Police said.
Det Supt Andy Buckthorpe claimed “huge payloads” of up to 7kg (15 lb) are suspended on lines and dangled close to prison windows.
He said: “These drone pilots have a high skill set.
“And the technology is improving all the time.
“It’s getting sophisticated.”
The force recently used a helicopter to raid HMP Forest Bank private prison in Salford to crack down on the problem.
A spokeswoman for the Category B jail, run by French operator Sodexo, said they were working with police to “tackle the conveyance of illicit items”.
Lags leaving Greater Manchester prisons this week as part of the Government’s early-release scheme confirmed drugs are readily available in jail.
Lewis Harrop, of Wythenshawe, Manchester — released from HMP Forest Bank — said: “You’ll see more drugs there than you’ll see out here.”
And George Cooper, of Buxton, Derbys, added: “I’d say 80 per cent of Forest Bank are on drugs and there are plenty of mobile phones.”
What are the new laws surrounding drones and prisons?
- New “no-fly zones” have been introduced around prisons in England and Wales.
- The change was made to prevent drones being used to deliver drugs and contraband to inmates.
- The Ministry of Justice, in conjunction with The Rt Hon Edward Argar MP, has introduced stringent new restrictions that came into effect on January 25, 2024.
- The new legislation establishes a 400-metre “no-fly zone” around prisons and young offender institutions with offenders facing fines of up to £2,500.
- It is now an automatic offence to operate drones within this restricted area.
- Unlike the previous requirement for evidence of contraband smuggling, cops can now take action merely based on drone operations near these facilities.
- This crackdown is prompted by a significant rise in drone sightings within prison grounds.
- The number of drones captured or spotted within prison premises more than doubled between 2019 and 2021.