Security Threat as Gangs Use Drones to Dominate Prison Airspace

Organised crime gangs using drones to smuggle contraband have effectively seized control of the airspace over two high-security prisons, posing a serious risk to national security, according to Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons. Taylor revealed that HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire and HMP Manchester have become hubs for illegal trade, with organized criminals using drones to deliver drugs, mobile phones, and weapons to inmates, including gang leaders and terrorists.

Basic security measures, such as protective netting and functional CCTV, are reportedly in disrepair, enabling these illicit activities. At HMP Manchester, 39% of inmates tested positive for drugs, while at HMP Long Lartin, nearly half of the prisoners admitted that obtaining drugs and alcohol was easy, with 27.2% testing positive for substances. Long Lartin, one of Britain's most secure jails, has housed infamous figures such as hate preachers Abu Qatada and Abu Hamza, as well as current inmates like Jordan McSweeney, convicted of murdering Zara Aleena, and serial killer Steve Wright.

Taylor noted a significant rise in violence and self-harm in both prisons, driven by drug-related debt and gang activity. Since 2021, HMP Manchester has seen six self-inflicted deaths, with a seventh occurring shortly after the inspectors' visit. Violence at HMP Long Lartin has surged by 50% since 2022, with more than 200 assaults recorded in the past year. Alarmingly, 40% of prisoners there reported feeling unsafe.

"It is deeply troubling that the prison service and police have effectively surrendered airspace over two high-security jails to criminal gangs," Taylor stated. "These gangs are facilitating the delivery of contraband to extremely dangerous inmates, including those categorised as high-risk. This failure jeopardises the safety of staff, prisoners, and ultimately, the public."

Taylor urged the prison service, police, and other security agencies to address organized criminal activity and stem the flow of contraband urgently. At HMP Manchester, drones have become so prevalent that prisoners have been reported burning holes in cell windows to facilitate deliveries. Similarly, HMP Garth in Lancashire was recently likened to an "airport" due to the sheer volume of drone traffic smuggling drugs.

Further compounding the issue, the Independent Monitoring Boards highlighted the deteriorating state of prisons, noting that delays in repairing broken windows have made it easier for drones to operate. In one instance at HMP Parc in south Wales, contraband was smuggled in children's nappies, while elsewhere, gangs employed industrial-grade drones for deliveries. The warnings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive action to secure prison facilities and protect national security.

The Johnson Partnership (Notthingham)