Police Warn Gangs Hiring Skilled Drone Pilots for Smuggling Operations in Prisons

Law enforcement agencies have raised alarm bells about the alarming trend of organized crime groups targeting skilled drone pilots for illicit operations, including the smuggling of contraband into prisons. With advanced drone technology capable of delivering up to 7kg payloads with pinpoint accuracy, these groups are recruiting individuals from outside the criminal realm to facilitate the smuggling of various items

Enhanced Smuggling Techniques

Detectives have revealed that these criminal organizations are increasingly employing sophisticated drones for smuggling operations with devastating consequences. The use of drones not only escalates violence within prisons due to the debts incurred by inmates for inflated-priced contraband, but it also poses a significant threat to public safety as incarcerated individuals use smuggled phones to coordinate criminal activities outside the prison walls.

Detective Superintendent Andy Buckthorpe from Greater Manchester Police highlighted the evolving nature of smuggling techniques, emphasizing the constant battle faced by law enforcement to keep pace with advanced drone technology. He noted the alarming capability of drones to directly reach prison cell windows, making it increasingly challenging to combat these illicit operations.

Recruitment of Drone Operators

DCI Chris McClellan shed light on the recruitment strategies employed by organized crime groups, revealing that they specifically target individuals with drone piloting skills, often enticing them with monetary compensation. He underscored that not all individuals arrested for flying drones are criminals; many are simply hired due to their proficiency in operating drone technology. This highlights the concerning trend of impacting individuals, regardless of their criminal background, into engaging in criminal activities.

Nationwide Network of Smuggling Operations

Detective Buckthorpe further emphasized the existence of a nationwide network involved in orchestrating drone incursions in prisons, indicating that these activities extend beyond the confines of Greater Manchester. This revelation underscores the sophistication and far-reaching nature of organized crime operations, posing a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies on a broader scale.

Law Enforcement Response

The comments from law enforcement officials coincided with a coordinated day of action at various prisons in Greater Manchester, aimed at tackling crime within correctional facilities. Traffic police, equipped with license plate-recognition cameras, sniffer dogs, and a police drone, were deployed strategically outside the prisons as part of a comprehensive operational effort to combat illicit activities.

Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals

Assistant Chief Constable John Webster condemned the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly children as young as 14, by families to smuggle illicit items into prisons. He characterized the situation as "diabolical", highlighting the need for increased vigilance and intervention to protect minors from being manipulated for criminal purposes. The potential financial gain from smuggling operations further exacerbates the situation, with reports indicating that a £50 bag of cannabis could fetch exorbitant prices within prison walls, often leading to violence among inmates over such contraband.

Challenging Conditions in Prisons

Amidst the ongoing challenges posed by smuggling operations, news emerged regarding the dire conditions at HMP Manchester, also known as Strangeways. Inspections revealed that a staggering 40% of inmates tested positive for drugs, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures to curb the influx of contraband. Inspectors expressed concern over the delays in installing secure cell windows and repairing damaged netting, which are critical in deterring drone-related activities.