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The landscape of prison security in the UK faces mounting challenges as increasing numbers of drones are used to smuggle drugs into facilities. A recent report highlights a concerning inadequacy in the government’s response to this evolving threat, revealing that prisons are ill-equipped to combat the crisis. As the number of drone incidents soars, the implications for inmate health and safety grow ever more pronounced.
The Drone Dilemma
The use of drones by criminal gangs to transport contraband into prisons has become alarmingly prevalent. Between April 2024 and March 2025, a staggering 1,712 incidents involving drones were reported across prisons in England and Wales. The National Audit Office (NAO) has pointed out that despite the HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) having a significant budget for security, only 75 per cent of the allocated £100 million was utilised between 2019 and 2022.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes from Greater Manchester Police succinctly summarised the predicament: “We don’t police the airspace.” As drones become increasingly accessible, the difficulties in monitoring and intercepting these aerial deliveries have created a gap that organised criminals are quick to exploit.
Underfunded Security and Rising Drug Use
The challenges of prison security are compounded by a maintenance backlog that has doubled over four years, from £0.9 billion to £1.8 billion. This lack of investment has left many prisons vulnerable to the influx of illegal substances. Alarmingly, as of April last year, almost half of the 40,000 individuals incarcerated in England and Wales were identified as having drug-related issues.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, emphasised the dire consequences of this situation, stating, “The proliferation of illicit drugs in prisons undermines rehabilitation, damages health, and destabilises prison environments.” He further noted that basic security measures are not being sufficiently addressed, with critical equipment, like X-ray scanners, left unrepaired for extended periods.
Government Response and Future Actions
In an effort to tackle the crisis, the government allocated £40 million in 2025 to enhance security at high-risk prisons, focusing on measures such as reinforced window grilles and netting designed to deter drone deliveries. However, despite these initiatives, the NAO’s report indicates that HMPPS fell short, spending only £67 million of the £97 million earmarked for 2022-2025 as part of the government’s 10-year strategy, “From Harm to Hope.”
Prisons minister Lord Timpson acknowledged the issues, stating that the lack of investment has contributed to the “unacceptable” levels of drug penetration within institutions. He assured that the government is taking decisive steps to remedy the situation, including bolstering support for offenders to combat addiction through substance-free units and specialist staff deployment.
Collaborative Solutions Needed
The NAO has also called for enhanced collaboration between health services and prison administrations. The report highlighted that a quarter of prisoners requiring substance misuse assessments were left waiting more than three weeks for an evaluation from NHS England in 2024-2025. This delay further exacerbates the challenges faced by inmates attempting to overcome addiction.
Mr Davies reiterated that the recommendations offered are aimed at directing resources effectively to address the pressing issues within the prison system. The urgency of these actions cannot be overstated, as the current state of affairs poses serious risks to both inmate welfare and public safety.
Why it Matters
The rise in drone-assisted drug smuggling represents a significant threat not only to the integrity of the prison system but to societal safety as well. As more inmates grapple with addiction and the associated health risks, the repercussions extend beyond prison walls, impacting families and communities. A comprehensive and immediate response is essential to restore order and security in prisons, ensuring that rehabilitation can take place in a safe environment.
