A daring drug smuggler’s airborne plans have been crushed after he was caught trying to fly narcotics into Erlestoke Prison by drone. Oliver Onyeahasi, 26, from Bristol, has been slammed with a 40-month jail sentence for his part in a fresh drug crime wave.
Drone Delivery Disaster
In the early hours of 1 October 2023, police swooped fast after spotting a suspicious low-flying drone over Erlestoke Prison. The device was loaded with Class A, B, and C drugs, meant to reach inmates inside.
Officers caught sight of Onyeahasi darting towards the main road. He tossed his drone controller to evade capture but was swiftly arrested. Both the drone and its illegal cargo were seized.
Teamwork Nets Major Prison Crime Bust
“This case perfectly shows the power of teamwork between HMP Erlestoke staff and police,” said Detective Inspector Steve Edwards, Wiltshire Police’s head of prison crime. “We caught Onyeahasi and two others, bringing the main offender to justice.”
“Our officers work tirelessly to stamp out crime within prison walls. This sentence sends a strong warning. Continued cooperation between the prison and local police is vital to keep inmates and the public safe.”
Government Cracks Down on Drone Drug Runs
Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, declared: “Anyone using drones to smuggle contraband into prisons will face the full force of the law.”
He revealed drone smuggling attempts have surged eightfold in just four years. In response, the government is pumping £40 million into toughening security, including netting, reinforced windows, and ramped-up police action against organised crime groups behind these daring flights.
