Man Charged After Drone Caught Smuggling Drugs Into HMP Erlestoke
A man has been charged with multiple drug offences following an incident in which a drone was intercepted attempting to smuggle drugs into HMP Erlestoke, a Category C men’s prison in Wiltshire.
Oliver Onyeahasi, 25, of Aberdeen Road, Cotham, Bristol, has been charged with being concerned in the supply of:
- Cocaine
- Cannabis
- Anabolic steroids
- A Class C drug (unspecified)
The charges relate to a suspected drone drop attempt that occurred in the early hours of October 1, 2023.
Court Appearance
Wiltshire Police confirmed that Onyeahasi has been bailed and is due to appear before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on 16 July 2025.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said:
“The drone was successfully intercepted thanks to the alertness of prison staff and our rapid response. These charges form part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs into prisons.”
Smuggling by Drone: A Growing Threat
The use of drones to smuggle contraband into UK prisons has become a rising concern for law enforcement and prison services. Items often include drugs, phones, SIM cards, and weapons, with Class A and B drugs increasingly being trafficked in this way.
HMP Erlestoke has been the site of several previous smuggling attempts. The prison, located near Devizes, houses adult male inmates and has a capacity of over 500.
