Drones have become an alarming tool for smuggling drugs, weapons, and other contraband into prisons, posing a serious risk to national security.

The Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, has raised concerns that organized crime gangs are exploiting this new mode of delivery with little interference from authorities, which could jeopardize public safety.

Dangerous Developments Above High-Security Prisons

Taylor expressed his deep concern that the airspace above high-security prisons is essentially being controlled by criminal organizations.

Despite the high-risk nature of these prisons, including those housing Category A offenders like terrorists, drones are regularly flying in to deliver illicit goods.

This has become a grave issue for both law enforcement and prison authorities, who have struggled to curb this growing threat.

Contraband Delivered Through the Air and On the Ground

Prison inspections have revealed disturbing trends.

At HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin, illegal drugs, weapons, mobile phones, and even takeaway meals are being flown in.

These deliveries have been so frequent that Manchester prison recorded 220 drone sightings over the past year alone.

Inmates have gone to extreme lengths, burning holes in secure windows to continue receiving these illegal items.

Security Measures Falling Short

One of the key findings of the inspection was the state of security at these prisons.

Basic measures, such as protective netting and CCTV, were found to be in disrepair.

Additionally, contraband is sometimes dropped in creative ways, like hiding items in grass cuttings or disguised as rubbish bags, allowing inmates to collect the packages without detection.

The Need for Urgent Action

Mr. Taylor has called for immediate reforms, warning that the failure to tackle drone-related smuggling is endangering everyone involved.

“The safety of staff, prisoners, and the public is seriously compromised,” he said.

He emphasized that basic improvements, such as better maintenance of the prison grounds, could make a significant difference in combatting this issue.

Authorities Respond to Growing Concern

The government has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and announced additional resources for prisons, including more staff and anti-drone technology.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson pointed out that the government inherited a prison system in crisis but is actively working to address the problems with better security measures and prison management.

This alarming trend calls for a greater collaboration between the police, prison services, and other authorities to restore control over prison airspace and prevent further smuggling activities.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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