A criminal gang that utilised drones to smuggle drugs, weapons, and mobile phones into several prisons across the UK has been sentenced, with their operation drawing comparisons to food delivery services like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. The ringleader, Shafaghatullah Mohseni, along with six accomplices, executed a series of covert drone drops over a three-month period, significantly undermining prison security and contributing to the ongoing crisis of contraband in correctional facilities.
The Operation Unveiled
Between December 2, 2024, and February 26, 2025, the gang orchestrated at least 70 drone drops at nine different prisons in London and the southeast, including notorious establishments like Wormwood Scrubs and Pentonville. Operating under the moniker “Operation Buzzbin,” the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command launched a thorough investigation into the illicit activities that had become a serious concern for prison authorities.
During the trial at Harrow Crown Court, Judge James Lofthouse highlighted the gang’s proficiency, describing their scheme as a “well-oiled conspiracy.” The gang’s ability to deliver contraband directly to inmates’ windows demonstrated a stark challenge for prison staff, exacerbated by chronic staffing shortages. Judge Lofthouse remarked that guards often found themselves watching as prisoners swiftly hid contraband items behind pipes, long before they could conduct a proper sweep of the cells.
Key Players in the Conspiracy
Shafaghatullah Mohseni, aged 29, led the operation and was dubbed the “grand delivery driver” during court proceedings. He was sentenced to five years and three months in prison for his role in the scheme, having personally coordinated the drops and amassed over £30,000 in payments for the drone flights. His accomplices—Hashin Al-Hussaini, Mohammed Hamoud, Faiz Salah, Zahar Essaghi, Mustafa Ibrahim, and Emanuel Fisniku—were also sentenced, with terms ranging from 27 to 33 months.
The gang’s meticulous planning involved travelling to prisons in the early hours, flying drones over walls, and targeting specific inmates who had made arrangements for the deliveries. The contraband included drugs such as cannabis, Xanax, and Valium, along with mobile phones and even flick knives, illustrating the severe risks posed to both inmates and staff.
The Courtroom Revelations
Prosecutor Sam Barker detailed the extent of the operation, which saw approximately 140 flights made by the gang, with a staggering 75 per cent of all drone drops in London prisons attributed to them. The court was informed that police apprehended several members of the group as they approached HMP Norwich for a planned drop, seizing a drone and a bag containing packages of contraband.
Despite the gang’s denial of knowledge regarding the concealed knives, the prosecution maintained that they were responsible for all items transported during their flights. The specifics of their operations revealed a troubling trend of increasing drone-related incidents within the prison system, as security measures struggled to keep pace.
Ongoing Security Concerns
The sentencing comes amidst escalating concerns about the role of drones in facilitating the smuggling of contraband into prisons. Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, raised alarms about the unique risks posed by drones, urging the government and security services to adopt innovative technologies and strategies to address these vulnerabilities. As Taylor pointed out, the potential ramifications of unchecked drone activity could lead to even more severe consequences for prison safety.
The judge concluded the proceedings by commending the investigative efforts of the Metropolitan Police, particularly highlighting an officer’s trip to the Netherlands and China to gather crucial evidence from drone data.
Why it Matters
The implications of this case extend far beyond the sentencing of seven individuals. It underscores a critical flaw in prison security protocols and raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current measures to combat the influx of contraband through aerial means. As drone technology continues to evolve, so too must the strategies employed by law enforcement and prison authorities. The integrity of the prison system hangs in the balance, demanding urgent action to prevent similar operations from proliferating.
