The use of drones to smuggle drugs and weapons into prisons has become a ‘national security threat’, according to the chief inspector of prisons.
Charlie Taylor, who heads the watchdog that oversees British prisons, warned that guards had effectively “ceded the airspace” around HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin to gangs dropping contraband over the fences using the flying gadgets – and said the problem was so bad that even guns could make it inside. It comes after a recent inspection of both prisons uncovered a “thriving illicit economies” of drugs, mobile phones and weapons, with protective nets and CCTV found to have fallen into disrepair.
Some inmates had even burned holes in windows to receive their drone deliveries. HMP Manchester, formerly known as Strangeways, was rated as in need ‘urgent need of improvement’, and was found to be the most violent of all adult men’s jails in England and Wales, with the highest rate of serious assaults.
A staggering 39% of prisoners had tested positive in mandatory drug tests at HMP Manchester, while at HMP Long Lartin, in Worcstershire, 50% of those who responded to the inspectorate’s survey said it was easy to get drugs and alcohol. Conditions were found to be “grim” at both prisons, including widespread dirt, damp and litter. HMP Manchester had a chronic rodent infestation, where cell windows were smashed and prisoners used torn-up foam from mattresses and pillows to keep out the cold. At Long Lartin, a continued lack of in-cell toilets for many prisoners led them to use buckets in their cells and throw bags of excrement out of the windows, many of which were not cleared up.
Mr Taylor has called on the police and prison service to take urgent action. Referring to the findings of inspections at both HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, he said: “It is highly alarming that the police and prison service have, in effect ceded the airspace above two high-security prisons to organised crime gangs which are able to deliver contraband to jails holding extremely dangerous prisoners including some who have been designated as high-risk category A.
“The safety of staff, prisoners and ultimately that of the public, is seriously compromised by the failure to tackle what has become a threat to national security. The prison service, the police and other security services must urgently confront organised gang activity and reduce the supply of drugs and other illicit items which so clearly undermine every aspect of prison life.”
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “This Government inherited prisons in crisis – overcrowded, with drugs and violence rife. We are gripping the situation by investing in prison maintenance and security, working with the police and others to tackle serious organised crime, and building more prison places to lock up dangerous criminals.”
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