Drone monitoring barbed wire fence on state border or restricted area. Modern technology for securit (Image: Getty Images)
Drones dropping drugs and weapons to dangerous prisoners being held in high-security jails are a "threat to national security", a watchdog has warned.
Criminals are brazenly burning holes in windows to receive packages from organised crime gangs, it has emerged.
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Link Sponsored Link
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Vet Begs Owners: Never Give This Toxic Meat To Your DogExperts In Pet Health
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
POLL: Should there be an inquest into grooming gangs? Vote here
616 Comments
Nearly 1.9 million violent or sexual crimes in England and Wales remain unsolved
Comments
Travis Kelce receives message from FBI as fears raised ahead of NFL playoffs
Comments
Party drug ketamine could be made class A drug amid record number of takers
14 Comments
Elon Musk gives Keir Starmer another nickname and claims ‘he's hiding terrible things'
64 Comments
Whistleblower who first exposed grooming gang scandal calls for national inquiry
61 Comments
Finance chief of veterans' sailing club stole ￡70k to fund drug and gambling addiction
7 Comments
Shocking new figures reveal why the Channel emergency is now a 'big boats crisis'
90 Comments
Kemi Badenoch blasts grooming gangs from 'peasant' backgrounds in fiery interview
9 Comments
Fury as Labour policy suggested phrase ‘grooming gangs' racist against Muslims
344 Comments
The 2 big new tactics to stop so many migrants getting to UK on small boats
295 Comments
Keir Starmer accuses Elon Musk of 'spreading lies' as he fights back on grooming gangs row
398 Comments
Keir Starmer branded 'deeply dishonest' in new Channel migrant deportation row
1109 Comments
Elon Musk's online posts under investigation for potential danger to UK security
746 Comments
New and Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours - Life Changing!G4 By Golpa Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Moment cops catch violinist Nigel Kennedy's drug dealer son with ￡15k of cocaine
Comments
State-funded room for addicts to take drugs a 'disaster waiting to happen'
27 Comments
I Started Doing This Every Morning, and My Husband Finds Me Irresistible!ExpertsInGettingSlim Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Number of prisoners serving life moved to open prisons soars under Labour
34 Comments
Murderer who ran over woman to steal her handbag and then smiled dies in jail
5 Comments
The All-New Tiguan Crossover SUV Is Here To Impress (Take A Look)VWs | Best Search Finder Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Ruthless people smuggling gangs to increase Channel crossings in spring
52 Comments
Migrant smugglers to be named publicly as they face being hit with new sanctions
161 Comments
Electrician reveals: 1 simple tip to slash your electricity bill by up to 90%EnergyNews Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
POLL: Should there be an inquest into grooming gangs? Vote here
616 Comments
Nearly 1.9 million violent or sexual crimes in England and Wales remain unsolved
Comments
Woman Goes To Doctor - He Calls The Police After Seeing The Ultrasoundbrightmindshq.com
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Travis Kelce receives message from FBI as fears raised ahead of NFL playoffs
Comments
Party drug ketamine could be made class A drug amid record number of takers
14 Comments
The New Nissan Frontier Leaves Nothing To The ImaginationAuto | Search Ads Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Elon Musk gives Keir Starmer another nickname and claims ‘he's hiding terrible things'
64 Comments
Whistleblower who first exposed grooming gang scandal calls for national inquiry
61 Comments
Search Any Name to Find Historical RecordsMyHeritage？ Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Finance chief of veterans' sailing club stole ￡70k to fund drug and gambling addiction
7 Comments
Shocking new figures reveal why the Channel emergency is now a 'big boats crisis'
90 Comments
Millions of Americans Are Canceling Cable TV Because of This Smart DeviceWaveMaxPro Click Here
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Kemi Badenoch blasts grooming gangs from 'peasant' backgrounds in fiery interview
9 Comments
Fury as Labour policy suggested phrase ‘grooming gangs' racist against Muslims
344 Comments
These Companies Are Overcharging You for Nevada Home InsuranceOTTO Insurance Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The 2 big new tactics to stop so many migrants getting to UK on small boats
295 Comments
Keir Starmer accuses Elon Musk of 'spreading lies' as he fights back on grooming gangs row
398 Comments
3 Insane Cards Now Charging 0% Interest Until Nearly 2027CompareCredit
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer branded 'deeply dishonest' in new Channel migrant deportation row
1109 Comments
Elon Musk's online posts under investigation for potential danger to UK security
746 Comments
Moment cops catch violinist Nigel Kennedy's drug dealer son with ￡15k of cocaine
Comments
State-funded room for addicts to take drugs a 'disaster waiting to happen'
27 Comments
Number of prisoners serving life moved to open prisons soars under Labour
34 Comments
Murderer who ran over woman to steal her handbag and then smiled dies in jail
5 Comments
Ruthless people smuggling gangs to increase Channel crossings in spring
52 Comments
Migrant smugglers to be named publicly as they face being hit with new sanctions
161 Comments
POLL: Should there be an inquest into grooming gangs? Vote here
616 Comments
Nearly 1.9 million violent or sexual crimes in England and Wales remain unsolved
Comments
Travis Kelce receives message from FBI as fears raised ahead of NFL playoffs
Comments
Party drug ketamine could be made class A drug amid record number of takers
14 Comments
Elon Musk gives Keir Starmer another nickname and claims ‘he's hiding terrible things'
64 Comments
Whistleblower who first exposed grooming gang scandal calls for national inquiry
61 Comments
Finance chief of veterans' sailing club stole ￡70k to fund drug and gambling addiction
7 Comments
And Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor declared jails have “thriving” drug economies, with nets and CCTV being allowed to fall into "disrepair”.
Experts last night warned more offenders could leave prison with a drug addiction, leading to more crimes.
Powered By
00:00/00:54
10 Sec
20K
1
Reports of chaos as hundreds of migrants queue under Chilean sun for national security number
Next
Stay
Cocaine powder in plastic bag with a package (Image: Getty Images)
Mr Taylor accused the police and Government of giving up control of the airspace above HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, as he called on them and the security services to "urgently confront" activity from criminal gangs behind the supply.
Sponsored
Seniors Can Now Fly Business Class For The Price Of Economy
Undo
Amazon's Worst Nightmare: Thousands Canceling Prime for This Clever Hack
Undo
Unsold Cruise Cabins Cost Almost Nothing For Seniors (See Why)
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
The scale of the problem at HMP Manchester, previously known as Strangeways, included inmates burning holes in windows to receive drone deliveries and prompted Mr Taylor to last year tell the Justice Secretary to put the prison into emergency measures.
Mr Taylor said: "It is highly alarming that the police and Prison Service have in effect ceded the airspace above two high-security prisons to organised crime gangs which are able to deliver contraband to jails holding extremely dangerous prisoners, including some who have been designated as high-risk category A.
"The safety of staff, prisoners and ultimately that of the public is seriously compromised by the failure to tackle what has become a threat to national security.
"The Prison Service, the police and other security services must urgently confront organised gang activity and reduce the supply of drugs and other illicit items which so clearly undermine every aspect of prison life."
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) promised improvements including a crackdown on drugs after Mr Taylor found there to be "catastrophic levels" present at the category B prison in Manchester which can hold more than 700 men, including a handful of the "most disruptive" and high-risk prisoners under close supervision.
"The number of weapons and other illicit items found in recent months was among the highest of all prisons holding adult men and the proportion of prisoners testing positive for drug use was very high at 39%," the report said.
Meanwhile, the findings on Long Lartin told of drones carrying "large payloads of illicit items" into the category A Worcestershire prison.
Holding almost 600 inmates, including those mainly serving life sentences and "some very dangerous men", the number of drugs and phones coming into the jail was a "serious concern".
More than 50% of prisoners told inspectors it was "easy" to get drugs and alcohol, which the watchdog branded an "astonishing rate" for a high-security jail, according to the report.
The latest warning comes after Mr Taylor likened high-security jail HMP Garth in Lancashire to an "airport" because there were so many drones flying in drugs.
And a report from Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) - made up of volunteers tasked by ministers with scrutinising conditions in custody - into "crumbling" jails in England and Wales said delays in fixing broken prison windows was making it easier for drones to be used to deliver drugs and weapons.
Trending
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
In December, MPs heard contraband was being taken into HMP Parc in South Wales in "children's nappies", while there were "industrial specification drone drops being organised by organised crime gangs".
Responding to the HMIP Reports on HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin, Nacro CEO, Campbell Robb said: 5“The latest HMIP reports on HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin bear witness to a vicious cycle of boredom, drug-taking and violence.
“Whilst the practical security measures relating to how drugs infiltrate prisons must be urgently addressed, we must also tackle the conditions in prison driving these shockingly high levels of substance misuse.
“At Nacro we see first-hand the importance of work and education to give people in prison structure, a sense of purpose and a meaningful way to spend their time, which makes it less likely that people will turn to drugs to cope.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
POLL: Should there be an inquest into grooming gangs? Vote here
616 Comments
Nearly 1.9 million violent or sexual crimes in England and Wales remain unsolved
Comments
Travis Kelce receives message from FBI as fears raised ahead of NFL playoffs
Comments
Party drug ketamine could be made class A drug amid record number of takers
14 Comments
Elon Musk gives Keir Starmer another nickname and claims ‘he's hiding terrible things'
64 Comments
Whistleblower who first exposed grooming gang scandal calls for national inquiry
61 Comments
Finance chief of veterans' sailing club stole ￡70k to fund drug and gambling addiction
7 Comments
Shocking new figures reveal why the Channel emergency is now a 'big boats crisis'
90 Comments
Kemi Badenoch blasts grooming gangs from 'peasant' backgrounds in fiery interview
9 Comments
Fury as Labour policy suggested phrase ‘grooming gangs' racist against Muslims
344 Comments
The 2 big new tactics to stop so many migrants getting to UK on small boats
295 Comments
Keir Starmer accuses Elon Musk of 'spreading lies' as he fights back on grooming gangs row
398 Comments
Keir Starmer branded 'deeply dishonest' in new Channel migrant deportation row
1109 Comments
Elon Musk's online posts under investigation for potential danger to UK security
746 Comments
Aging Seniors: Do Not Take Apple Cider Vinegar Before You See ThisGetting Slim Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Moment cops catch violinist Nigel Kennedy's drug dealer son with ￡15k of cocaine
Comments
State-funded room for addicts to take drugs a 'disaster waiting to happen'
27 Comments
I Started Doing This Each Morning And My Husband Is Obsessed With Me AgainExpertsInGettingSlim Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Number of prisoners serving life moved to open prisons soars under Labour
34 Comments
Murderer who ran over woman to steal her handbag and then smiled dies in jail
5 Comments
Why Did The VA Keep This Secret From Us?Veteran Benefits 2024 Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Ruthless people smuggling gangs to increase Channel crossings in spring
52 Comments
Migrant smugglers to be named publicly as they face being hit with new sanctions
161 Comments
ED May Be Becoming a Thing of the Past for Older Men!ED | search ads Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
POLL: Should there be an inquest into grooming gangs? Vote here
616 Comments
Nearly 1.9 million violent or sexual crimes in England and Wales remain unsolved
Comments
Crocodile Asks Fisherman For Help. He Does This When He Finds Out Whybrightmindshq.com
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Travis Kelce receives message from FBI as fears raised ahead of NFL playoffs
Comments
Party drug ketamine could be made class A drug amid record number of takers
14 Comments
Sandra Bullock, 60, Now Lives Alone In Las VegasSweet Penny Stocks Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Elon Musk gives Keir Starmer another nickname and claims ‘he's hiding terrible things'
64 Comments
Whistleblower who first exposed grooming gang scandal calls for national inquiry
61 Comments
They were so beautiful before; look at them now; number 10 will shock youStyle Chambers
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Finance chief of veterans' sailing club stole ￡70k to fund drug and gambling addiction
7 Comments
Shocking new figures reveal why the Channel emergency is now a 'big boats crisis'
90 Comments
These Never-Driven Trucks in Las Vegas Are Selling for Dirt CheapTrucks | Search Ads Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Kemi Badenoch blasts grooming gangs from 'peasant' backgrounds in fiery interview
9 Comments
Fury as Labour policy suggested phrase ‘grooming gangs' racist against Muslims
344 Comments
After 30 Years At NBC, This Is Her SalaryInvestructor
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The 2 big new tactics to stop so many migrants getting to UK on small boats
295 Comments
Keir Starmer accuses Elon Musk of 'spreading lies' as he fights back on grooming gangs row
398 Comments
Average IQ is 100. What's Yours? Answer 20 multiple choice questions to find out.Free IQ Test Click Here
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer branded 'deeply dishonest' in new Channel migrant deportation row
1109 Comments
Elon Musk's online posts under investigation for potential danger to UK security
746 Comments
Moment cops catch violinist Nigel Kennedy's drug dealer son with ￡15k of cocaine
Comments
State-funded room for addicts to take drugs a 'disaster waiting to happen'
27 Comments
Number of prisoners serving life moved to open prisons soars under Labour
34 Comments
Murderer who ran over woman to steal her handbag and then smiled dies in jail
5 Comments
Ruthless people smuggling gangs to increase Channel crossings in spring
52 Comments
Migrant smugglers to be named publicly as they face being hit with new sanctions
161 Comments
POLL: Should there be an inquest into grooming gangs? Vote here
616 Comments
Nearly 1.9 million violent or sexual crimes in England and Wales remain unsolved
Comments
Travis Kelce receives message from FBI as fears raised ahead of NFL playoffs
Comments
Party drug ketamine could be made class A drug amid record number of takers
14 Comments
Elon Musk gives Keir Starmer another nickname and claims ‘he's hiding terrible things'
64 Comments
Whistleblower who first exposed grooming gang scandal calls for national inquiry
61 Comments
Finance chief of veterans' sailing club stole ￡70k to fund drug and gambling addiction
7 Comments
Wipe Out Interest For 18 Months With These Cards
Undo
2 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until Nearly 2027
Undo
Wipe Out Interest For 18 Months With These Cards
Undo
2 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until Nearly 2027
Undo
2 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until Nearly 2027
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Who Normally Has The Cheapest Car Insurance In NevadaBestMoney,com
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Nevada: Controversial Changes Near Las Vegas Leaves Drivers FumingPenny Pincher
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Electricity company tycoon: His invention should be banned!Stopwatt
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
“This is essential for successful rehabilitation.
“We are deeply concerned that rocketing drug use in prison will result in more people leaving prison with addiction issues, which is likely to lead to higher rates or reoffending.
“Preventing illicit substances from entering our prisons together with a radical refocus on rehabilitation and purposeful activity is needed if we want to prevent the current crisis from extending beyond the prison walls and into our communities.”