Gang jailed for drone smuggling scheme likened to Uber Eats for prisoners'

"Those who conspire for profit to flood our prisons with drugs and mobile phones, and are heedless to whatever else including weapons they smuggle in, facilitate further criminality, and undermine the general running and good order of our prisons."

"Judge Lofthouse said inmates had items delivered to order, and criticised the corrosive impact on prison safety and security from drones arriving with packages as if by Uber Eats or Deliveroo."

"Staff shortages meant guards could head to the cells to watch through the door hatch as prisoners were stuffing items behind pipes. However, by the time enough prison staff were available to conduct a search, the illicit items had vanished."

A seven-member gang led by Shafaghatullah Mohseni smuggled contraband into multiple UK prisons using drones over three months. The operation delivered drugs including cannabis, Xanax, and Valium, along with weapons such as flick knives and mobile phones to prisoners. Mohseni coordinated the drops while accomplices acted as lookouts and drivers, receiving payments for their involvement. The judge compared the system to food delivery apps like Uber Eats. Prison staff shortages prevented effective interception, allowing inmates to retrieve items before searches could be conducted. Mohseni received a five-year-three-month sentence for leading the conspiracy that undermined prison security and facilitated further criminal activity.

Read at www.independent.co.uk