LONDON — Drone deliveries of drugs and weapons into UK prisons have become a major national security concern, according to the country's Chief Inspector of Prisons. Charlie Taylor, in a report released on January 14, urged immediate action to address the growing illegal activities within jails.

At Manchester Prison in northern England, inmates have been burning holes in windows to receive drone-delivered packages containing large amounts of contraband that could potentially lead to serious disturbances or escapes. Despite a ban on drones within prison airspace introduced a year ago, such activities have been on the rise.

British prisons also face severe overcrowding, contributing to the country's record-high incarceration rate, which is the highest in Western Europe. Taylor's warning comes after inspections in September and October of two of the country's most notorious prisons, Manchester and Long Lartin.

Both prisons were found to have active black markets dealing in drugs, mobile phones, and weapons, with basic security measures like protective netting and CCTV falling into neglect. Taylor expressed concern that police and prison authorities have effectively allowed organized crime groups to control the airspace above these high-security facilities.

He emphasized that the safety of staff, prisoners, and the public is at serious risk due to the failure to address what is now a national security threat.

Conditions in both prisons were described as "grim," with Manchester prison plagued by dirt, dampness, litter, and a rodent infestation. Prisoners there were using torn foam mattresses to stay warm, and 39% had tested positive for drugs. At Long Lartin, inmates without in-cell toilets used buckets in their cells and threw bags of waste out of the windows, which often went uncleaned. A survey revealed that nearly half of the inmates reported easy access to drugs and alcohol.

In response, the Ministry of Justice stated that new netting and CCTV systems were being installed at Manchester, and efforts were underway to improve prison maintenance and security. A spokesperson mentioned that the government was collaborating with police to combat organized crime and planning to expand prison capacity to hold dangerous criminals.

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