Drone Prison Smuggling Gang Jailed for 22 Years

London: (Web Desk) – A criminal network that used drones to smuggle drugs and mobile phones into prisons across London has been sentenced to a combined total of 22 years behind bars. The convictions followed a detailed investigation led by the Metropolitan Police.

Police said the group played a major role in orchestrating drone deliveries into several prisons, with investigators believing the majority of such drops during the period were linked to this gang. The illegal deliveries were contributing to rising violence inside prisons and posed serious risks to both staff and inmates.

The investigation began in December 2025 after officers received intelligence about drone activity near prison facilities. Working closely with HM Prison Service, detectives carried out surveillance operations, tracked mobile phone data placing suspects near targeted prisons, and examined flight data retrieved from seized drones.

Within three months, seven individuals were identified as being involved in the operation. Their roles ranged from piloting drones and assisting flights to driving vehicles and monitoring movements. The group attempted to avoid detection by frequently switching drivers and operating under the cover of darkness, but specialist crime officers kept them under constant observation. More than 50 drone drops were linked to the network over a three-month span.

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In the early hours of 26 February 2025, police arrested four suspects less than a mile from HMP Norwich. Officers recovered a drone, cannabis and a knife during a vehicle search.

The prisons targeted included HMP Wormwood Scrubs, HMP Brixton, HMP Pentonville, HMP Wandsworth, HMP Norwich, HMP Leicester, HMP Onley and HMP Bedford. The packages transported into these facilities contained Class B drugs, mobile phones, SIM cards and chargers.

All seven defendants admitted to multiple conspiracy charges, including supplying prohibited substances and controlled drugs into prisons. Sentencing took place at Harrow Crown Court on Tuesday 3 March, with the lead offender receiving more than five years in custody. Authorities described the operation as a significant step toward improving prison security and protecting frontline staff.