TWO men have been arrested after a drone was spotted over HMP Long Lartin yesterday (Monday, April 14).
West Mercia Police were alerted to a drone circling the airspace over the prison shortly before 11.30pm.
Officers swiftly responded and intercepted a suspect vehicle just before midnight. A drone was recovered from the rear seats of the car, and the occupants were subsequently arrested.
Suspected class A drugs and prescription medication were discovered during a further search.
The occupants of the car, a 22-year-old man and 41-year-old man, were arrested on suspicion of conveying prohibited items into a prison and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
They both remain in police custody as enquiries continue.
Detective Chief Inspector James Bamber said: “Our response yesterday meant the contraband which was seized during a search of the vehicle did not make it beyond the prison walls.
“We know drugs going into the prison contributes to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, both inside and out of Long Lartin, and reaps disruption within the facility.
“We will continue our efforts to detect and disrupt drone activity around the prison and build a greater intelligence picture to eradicate the problem.”
Residents are urged to call 999 immediately if a drone flight is seen in progress over the prison’s airspace.
If not an immediate concern, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously to report information via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or 0800 555 111.
Visit https://eveshamobserver.co.uk/news/watch-police-target-drone-drops-over-hmp-long-lartin-as-18-arrested/ for more information on the force’s targeted efforts against drone drops at the prison.
