FOUR teenagers from Alcester have been arrested on suspicion of attempting to smuggle contraband into HMP Long Lartin using a drone.
A package was seized in the early hours of Friday (July 11) morning after West Mercia Police said they had received reports of a drone circling airspace above the prison before 2am.
Patrol officers followed a suspect vehicle and it was stopped on the A46 in Alcester with four people inside.
A drone, mobile phones, suspected drugs and drug equipment were found inside the vehicle. a force spokesperson said.
The four aged 15, 16, 18 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to convey prohibited items into a prison and remain in police custody.
Det Ch Insp James Bamber said: “An immediate response from us and good policing work by everyone involved meant we were able to intercept a suspect vehicle before it reached its suspected final destination.”
“We will continue to respond to the issue robustly and maintain that approach in our investigations.”
If members of the public spot a drone near to the prison or have information about suspicious activity near to HMP Long Lartin, they are asked to report it via 999 immediately.
