CRIMINALS at a Glasgow jail are using drones to try and smuggle drugs and mobile phones into prison grounds.

The number of covert devices being used has soared across Scotland – with a new investigation revealing that a number of drones have been used to pilot illicit substances and handsets over the walls of HMP Barlinnie in Riddrie.

Figures obtained by justice magazine 1919 revealed that the method had been used on three separate occasions at the north Glasgow prison which houses some of the country’s most notorious criminals.

Drones were recovered by staff in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

The data, uncovered using freedom of information laws, show the extent of the practice across the prison estate. At HMP Edinburgh, 11 drones have been detected since 2021, while HMP Perth ranks the second highest with five incidents since 2018 and Barlinnie third.

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said it is using “all technological and intelligence tools available” to tackle the issue of drugs being brought in.

Criminals have turned to the high-tech method of breaching security after the introduction of a policy to photocopy prisoners’ mail stopped inmates receiving psychoactive substances which were being sprayed onto the pieces of paper.

Glasgow Times:

Between August 2020 and July 2021, almost 9000 items of mail sent into Scottish jails tested positive for an illegal drug. However, the number of drug-related incidents fell dramatically, from 305 in the November of that year to 131 the following month meaning that
criminals are exploring new ways of smuggling drugs into prisons.

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Scottish Conservative justice spokesperson Jamie Greene says the authorities need to keep up to pace with methods being used by the underworld.

He said: “It is clear criminals are now using drones to try and smuggle dangerous drugs and contraband into the prison estate. Thanks to the Scottish Conservatives we forced an end to drug-soaked mail and post getting into cells, but organised gangs will stop at nothing to infiltrate prisons.

“SNP ministers cannot make the same mistakes they did when they dithered and delayed over our demands to stop the postal peddling of drugs. They must take action to stop drones simply taking over the task.

“The new justice secretary has inherited a sector in crisis. She must get on top of this issue and that starts with properly tackling serious crime and finally investing in the criminal justice sector."
 
An SPS spokesperson said they were working hard to prevent drugs getting into the country’s jails.

They added: “While we cannot discuss covert tactics, SPS uses all technological and intelligence tools available to tackle the harm caused by illicit substances entering our establishments.

“We work with Police Scotland, and other partners, to take action against those who attempt to breach our security, via drones or by other means.
“These efforts have led to a significant reduction in drug take incidents in our establishments, and as a result, the harm caused to the health and wellbeing of those in our care.”

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A Scottish Government spokesperson added: “We continue to support the Scottish Prison Service and Police Scotland’s joint efforts to prevent the supply of illegal drugs.
“SPS continues to work tirelessly to adapt its security measures to prevent, detect and deter the introduction of contraband in prisons.”

Inspector Allan Barnstaple, Aviation Safety and Security Unit, said: “Police Scotland are aware of people using drones to convey items into prisons and we are working closely with the Scottish Prison Service to tackle the use of drones for criminality.
“Drones must be operated in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority regulations.
“Police Scotland will thoroughly investigate all reports of drones being operated illegally.”
 

For more information visit, www.1919magazine.co.uk