Houses searched in investigation into drone-based prison smuggling

Law enforcement officials conducted searches at two residences as part of an ongoing inquiry into the use of drones for introducing illicit goods into correctional facilities, discovering a machete and mobile phones. The properties, located in Little Hulton, Salford, were examined by officers following intelligence that prohibited items, such as drugs and tobacco, were being delivered into HMP Hindley. While no drones were recovered during the operation and no arrests occurred, authorities indicated that the “large” knife and multiple phones might have been intended for prison inmates. Sergeant Simon Monks of Greater Manchester Police stated that these searches were prompted by a “real upsurge” in drone-facilitated deliveries to prisons observed in November. Sgt Monks elaborated that drones are progressively being employed to transport prohibited articles, including drugs, phones, and SIM cards, into penal institutions. He commented, “People go into prisons to rehabilitate but when they’re often flying drugs in there on the scale that we’re seeing at the moment that makes things much more difficult.” Sgt Monks further added: “When you consider that drugs are worth much more in prisons than they are on the streets, it’s very lucrative for those who are organising the delivery into prisons.” He continued, “There’s much more money to be made.” He concluded by stating, “When it does reach the prison it can fuel violence, disputes, money owed which all perpetuates issues inside.”