Strangeways: Prison drone drops branded ‘national security threat’

Manchester: So, there’s been a pretty wild situation at HMP Manchester, also known as Strangeways. Inspectors are saying that drones are being used to smuggle drugs and weapons into the prison, and it’s a big deal. They’re calling it a national security threat, which sounds serious, right?

The report highlights that some inmates are getting really crafty, burning holes in what are supposed to be secure windows to get deliveries that can weigh up to 15 pounds. That’s a lot of contraband! Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, mentioned that the police have basically let crime gangs take over the airspace above the jails.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice said the new Labour government is dealing with a real mess in the prisons—overcrowding, drugs, and violence everywhere. They’re trying to fix things by investing in better security and working with the police to tackle organized crime.

The situation at HMP Manchester has been a hot topic since an urgent inspection last fall. The inspectors found that the prison had the highest number of drone sightings in the country, which is alarming. Taylor pointed out that these drones are not just a nuisance; they’re a real danger to everyone involved, including staff and the public.

Some of the packages being dropped even included takeaway food, which is just bizarre. The inspectors noted that the prison’s security measures are lacking, with slow repairs and poor CCTV coverage. It’s no wonder prisoners are finding ways to melt window panes to get their hands on these deliveries.

The report also revealed that a staggering 39% of inmates tested positive for drugs, one of the highest rates in the country. Organized crime groups with international ties are behind these drone drops, and there are concerns about staff corruption too. It’s a complicated mess, and it looks like there’s a lot of work to do to get things under control.