Inspectors Report HMP Garth Facing Major Security Issues Due to Drone Drug Smuggling

Inspectors have stated that a high-security correctional facility, HMP Garth, located near Leyland, Lancashire, has been likened to “an airport” due to the extensive number of drones delivering illicit substances. Prisoners were reportedly creating openings in cell windows by burning them to facilitate drone access and appropriating mops and brooms to utilize their handles for retrieving drugs from these aerial devices. A report issued by the HM Inspectorate of Prisons indicated that the correctional institution was “facing major security issues,” noting a 45% rise in violent incidents, which led to numerous prisoners requiring protective measures due to outstanding drug debts. The Ministry of Justice affirmed its “zero tolerance” policy regarding violence and narcotics. Helen Williams, an artist residing nearby, reported that she “very often” hears drones and occasionally observes them hovering in the vicinity of the prison. She mentioned that she and fellow residents had been advised to contact law enforcement to report such observations. The inspection revealed that windows were being damaged more rapidly than repair efforts could keep pace; specifically, on the initial day of the inspection, 13 cells were observed with holes in their windows, with five of these cells still housing inmates. Inspectors noted that the “smell of cannabis was rife,” and 63% of inmates reported that acquiring drugs was simple, with one individual characterizing the facility as an “airport” due to the high volume of drones engaged in smuggling. The report concluded that the prison’s handling of the threat was deemed “inadequate,” citing staff reluctance to confront breaches of regulations. Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, stated that it was “imperative that the prison service finds a way to stem the ingress of drones to reduce the supply of drugs into prisons like Garth”. Mr. Taylor further remarked: “Staff attendance and capability will need to improve significantly and without substantial investment from the prison service, drugs will continue to flow into this troubled jail.” A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice commented: “The new government inherited a prison system in crisis and reports like these demonstrate the need for robust action to get the situation back under control.” The spokesperson continued, stating: “We have zero tolerance towards violence and drugs and our security measures, such as X-ray body scanners and anti-drone no-fly zones, detect and stop drugs from entering our prisons.” They also mentioned that 400-meter restricted flight zones were implemented in January, encompassing all closed prisons and young offender institutions across England and Wales.