Criminals have used drones to deliver knives, drugs, and mobile phones to inmates in 17 different British prisons, concealing the items inside drink cartons. Bradley Scott, 27, and Jevonte White, 18, operated a service allowing prisoners to order illicit goods, which were then flown to their cell windows. Police released images of mango-flavoured Rubicon drinks and Alpro almond milk cartons used to hide the contraband.
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Detectives from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) revealed that Scott and White conducted 105 deliveries between January and June last year, with HMP Lewes targeted 27 times. Other affected prisons included Rye Hill, Onley, Guys Marsh, Coldingley, Swaleside, Elmley, Littlehey, Peterborough, Aylesbury, Nottingham, Ford, Leicester, The Mount, Five Wells, High Down, and Downview.
At Lewes Crown Court last week, Scott was sentenced to six years in prison, while White received a 23-month suspended sentence. Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey prohibited articles into prisons. Officers explained that the drones were programmed with flight data to reach the inmates’ cell windows, highlighting the ingenuity and planning behind the criminal operation.
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Detective Constable Ian Bradshaw emphasised the dangers posed by contraband in prisons, including increased risk of violence among inmates and threats to staff safety. He noted that once inside, items create debts and potential conflict. The case also demonstrates the authorities’ ability to trace offences through phone analysis and vehicle tracking. Following widespread security failings, the government has committed millions to improve prison infrastructure, including £22 million to secure windows against drone incursions.
