The two Category A prisons house some of the country’s most dangerous individuals, including terrorists, murderers, and leaders of organised crime gangs
The UK prisons watchdog has raised alarm over the use of drones to deliver contraband, including weapons, to two of England’s highest-security prisons, warning that the issue now constitutes a significant national security risk. Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, said the frequency of these drone drops at HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin has escalated to such an extent that firearms could potentially be smuggled in.
The two Category A prisons house some of the country’s most dangerous individuals, including terrorists, murderers, and leaders of organised crime gangs. Speaking to BBC News, Mr Taylor expressed grave concern over the implications of these breaches, noting that authorities have effectively “ceded the airspace” over the prisons. He cautioned that the situation increases the risk of armed violence, escapes, and hostage situations.
“This is a threat to national security,” Mr Taylor stated. “The potential for serious weapons to be able to get into our prisons in increasing numbers means that there is a risk, particularly in these Category A prisons, where some of the riskiest men in the country are held, either connected to organised crime gangs or terrorism. The potential for them to commit serious offences within prison or orchestrate an escape is an enormous concern.”
Organised Crime Gangs Exploiting Security Lapses
Inspection reports revealed severe and repeated security failings at both prisons. Gangs are reportedly using drones capable of carrying up to 3lb (1.3kg) of contraband, including drugs, mobile phones, and potentially weapons, to inmates. Instances of “zombie knives” being delivered have already been documented, with fears that firearms could soon follow.
“There is a real possibility that someone determined enough could smuggle in a gun,” Mr Taylor warned. “If a weapon enters the prison, it could be used to take hostages or threaten staff, potentially facilitating an escape. This is something the prison service, police, and security agencies must address urgently.”
Reports highlighted that inmates have been exploiting prison vulnerabilities to facilitate these deliveries. At HMP Manchester, drones are reportedly seen circling the prison at night, and inmates have used phone GPS apps to guide packages to precise locations. They have also been breaking £5,000 cell windows faster than they can be repaired to retrieve contraband.
At HMP Long Lartin, which holds prisoners convicted of terrorism offences, gangs reportedly drop contraband wrapped in black plastic bags, which blend in with bags of human waste discarded from cell windows. Inmates then retrieve these packages while joining litter patrols. Some gangs have even hidden contraband in camouflaged balls of grass, making it difficult for officers to detect.
Security Upgrades Underway
The Ministry of Justice has acknowledged the issue and stated that measures are being implemented to address it. A spokesperson said, “This government inherited prisons in crisis. We are gripping the situation by investing in prison maintenance and security, working with the police and others to tackle serious organised crime, and building more prison places to lock up dangerous criminals.”
At both HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin, new CCTV systems and anti-drone netting have been introduced to improve security. However, Mr Taylor’s report emphasises that more comprehensive action is required to counter the growing sophistication of organised crime gangs.
Growing Threat
The reports underscore the evolving tactics of criminal networks and the urgency for the prison service to modernise its security measures. “In effect, what we’re seeing is that the airspace above our prisons, holding some of the most risky men in the country, is being ceded to organised crime gangs,” Mr Taylor observed.
The use of drones to smuggle contraband is not just a threat to prison security but also to public safety, as it enables dangerous individuals to strengthen their influence behind bars. With concerns mounting over potential escapes and escalating violence, authorities face mounting pressure to restore control and reinforce the integrity of the UK’s high-security prisons.