Overview
- Greater Manchester Police and HMPPS seized more than 500 phones, electronic devices and SIM cards from HMP Manchester in a targeted action under Operation Sheriff.
- Investigators say inmates used the contraband to arrange drug deals, organize weapon drops and plan violent attacks.
- The confiscated items were destroyed to prevent reuse, with police showing crushed phones following the operation.
- Possessing electronic devices in custody is an offence under the Prison Act 1952 and the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, carrying potential additional jail time.
- Police say the crackdown forms part of continuing multi-agency work to stop the movement of drugs, weapons and other contraband into prisons.