UK Prisons Struggle to Combat Drone Deliveries of Drugs and Weapons

Watchdog warns of national security risks as organised crime gangs exploit failing security in high-security jails.

Drones are being used by organised crime gangs to deliver drugs, weapons, and mobile phones to inmates in high-security UK prisons HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor has called the situation a national security threat, citing failures in basic security measures like netting and CCTV.
Inmates have burned holes in windows to receive drone deliveries, with some drones capable of carrying up to 7 kilograms of contraband.
The illicit trade has fueled violence, drug debts, and self-harm in prisons, with HMP Manchester recording the highest number of drone sightings across England and Wales last year.
The Ministry of Justice has pledged increased investment in prison maintenance and security, but critics argue the system is overstretched and underfunded.