"Complete disaster could occur": how drones pose a security threat in prisons.

In the UK, many prisons are facing the issue of inmates illegally receiving various goods via civilian drones. This is discussed in a report by the BBC.

The article mentions that the number of drone incidents around prisons in England and Wales has increased nearly tenfold since 2019. According to the latest data from the British government, 1,063 drones were detected near prisons last year. This is double the number from 2022, when 478 drones were recorded. In 2019, there were only 122 reported cases.

"We are seeing larger quantities of drugs entering prisons, an increasing number of mobile phones, and drones are becoming more advanced in terms of the payload they can carry, which certainly increases the risk of more dangerous items being smuggled into prisons," said Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor.

Former inmate Jamie, who spent 14 years in prison, told the publication that he witnessed drones dropping packages for prisoners several times. He noted that a drone can deliver anything to the prison, including weapons.

One of the correctional facilities facing a significant drone issue is the high-security prison HMP Garth. According to prison inspectors, HMP Garth has turned into "an airport" due to the high volume of drones transporting drugs. Police have noted that skilled drone pilots deliver packages directly to prison cell windows. These packages can contain a wide range of items—from hard drugs to mustard.

Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the Prison Officers' Association (POA), pointed out that prison staff are bearing the brunt of this situation. He emphasized that due to drones, modern prison guards are confronted with an unprecedented influx of drugs and violence.

"If this issue is not addressed, I predict that a complete disaster could occur in one of our prisons if drones are used to deliver incendiary devices, weapons, or ammunition," said Gillan.

It is worth noting that unidentified drones have been spotted over three military bases in the UK that are utilized by the United States Air Force.