A man has been charged after a drone carrying drugs and mobile phones was discovered crashed at HMP Pentonville, sparking an investigation by prison authorities and law enforcement agencies.
The incident unfolded in August last year when prison staff at Islington’s HMP Pentonville stumbled upon the crashed drone within the confines of the prison premises. Upon inspection, the drone was found to contain a cache of illicit substances, including cannabis, the prescription medication Pregabalin, and synthetic cannabis known as ‘spice’.
Further inquiries by detectives revealed a concerning pattern, as the drone at Pentonville was linked to another similar incident at HMP Coldingley in Surrey, where a drone carrying drugs and a phone had crashed a month earlier. Additionally, police linked the Pentonville incident to three other drone crashes, each involving the smuggling of drugs and phones into different prisons.
The interconnected nature of these incidents highlights the sophisticated methods employed by individuals seeking to circumvent prison security measures.
A man has now been charged with using a drone to facilitate the smuggling of contraband into prison, underscoring the severity of the offence and the commitment of law enforcement to combat such illicit activities.
Detective Inspector Zara Baker emphasized the serious implications of drug smuggling into prisons, emphasizing the heightened risks of violence and the detrimental impact on rehabilitation efforts within correctional facilities.
She urged members of the public with any information related to drug smuggling or individuals profiting from such illegal activities to come forward and assist law enforcement in their efforts to disrupt and dismantle these networks.
The arrest and subsequent charges serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication of authorities to safeguard prison environments and prevent the infiltration of contraband that undermines the safety and security of inmates and staff alike.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant and proactive in their pursuit of individuals involved in drug smuggling operations.
