Government Invests £35 Million to Combat Drone Smuggling in Prisons

• •£35 million allocated to install steel grilles on 13,000 prison windows.
• •Drone smuggling incidents increased by 770% from 2019 to 2023.
• •Over 200 arrests have been made in connection with drone smuggling operations.

The UK government has announced a £35 million funding initiative to install heavy-duty steel grilles on up to 13,000 prison cell windows in England and Wales. This measure aims to prevent the smuggling of contraband, including drugs, weapons, and mobile phones, via drones, which have seen a 770% increase in sightings from 2019 to 2023. The initiative will bolster security at 17 high-risk prisons and is part of a broader strategy to combat organized crime within the prison system. The grilles will be manufactured by prisoners, providing them with skills while reducing costs. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy emphasized the dangers posed by drone smuggling, which fuels violence and undermines rehabilitation efforts. Previous operations have led to over 200 arrests related to drone smuggling, highlighting the ongoing issue. The government has previously invested £40 million in prison security, including counter-drone measures.