TWO MEN have been arrested after a drone was seen circling the airspace over HMP Long Lartin yesterday (Monday, May 19).
The sighting was reported shortly before 10.30pm and responding officers stopped a suspect vehicle around twenty minutes later.
A drone was recovered from the car and the occupants of the vehicle, two men aged 19 and 33, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to convey prohibited items into a prison.
The 33-year-old man was further arrested for driving whilst under the influence of drugs.
Both men remain in police custody as enquiries continue.
Detective chief inspector James Bamber said: “We are continuing to crack down on incursions around HMP Long Lartin and have seized another drone suspected to be used in criminal activity.
“Our response to the issue is not slowing down and we will continue our sustained efforts to detect and disrupt drones around the prison.”
The category A men’s prison, located in South Littleton near Evesham, has seen an increase in drone drops in recent years which has prompted calls for urgent action from the prison watchdog.
A drop can contain drugs, weapons and mobile phones delivered from a drone hovering above. Police and the prison are working closely to tackle the activity which is orchestrated by Organised Crime Groups (OCGs).
Ministry of Justice’s chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, said an inspection of the prison in September and October 2024 revealed serious concerns with safety and security, amounting to a national security threat.
Inspections found the prison, which holds the most serious offenders including terrorists and organised crime bosses, had a thriving illicit trade in drugs, mobile phones and weapons.
Call 999 immediately if you see a drone flight in progress in 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.
