Police Dog Aids in Uncovering Suspected Drone Smuggling Attempt at Liverpool Prison

A police dog was instrumental in locating a man suspected of drug smuggling, who was found concealed in a bush, following the sighting of a drone at a correctional facility in Liverpool. Merseyside Police’s dog unit was dispatched to HMP Liverpool in Walton after reports indicated a drone attempting to land within a courtyard before proceeding towards a nearby field. In the early hours of Monday, Police Dog Ike and his handlers successfully located the drone along with its remote control on a parcel of land situated between Stuart Road and Maguire Road. The police force stated that Ike subsequently utilized his sense of smell to track down a man, believed to be the drone’s operator, who was hiding in a bush. Merseyside Police confirmed that a package attached to the drone contained cannabis resin, tobacco, mobile phone notes, drill bits, and sim cards. A 34-year-old man, who is of no fixed address, was taken into custody on suspicion of conveying a prohibited article into a prison, possession of a prohibited firearm, and possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply. Chief Inspector Jordan Quinn commented on the incident, stating: “Aided by the sterling work and attentive nose of PD Ike, our officers acted swiftly on information provided by prison staff to intercept the suspect and seize a drone.” He added that “Merseyside Police will continue to seek proactive ways to combat the illegal use of drones through technology and ultimately with information from communities.”