UK Prisons Struggle as Drone Use and Gang Activity Escalate

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The UK government has announced new measures to combat rising gang activity and the alarming use of drones in prisons. Prisons Minister James Timpson revealed that the department's serious organised crime unit will be expanded to address the increasing infiltration of criminal gangs in facilities across England and Wales.

Timpson acknowledged that over 10% of the 87,000 prisoners are linked to organised crime, raising serious concerns about the safety and integrity of the prison system. A recent report highlighted 1,296 drone incidents in prisons during the last 10 months of 2024, marking a tenfold increase since 2020, which have been linked to the transport of drugs and weapons.

The chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, warned that drones pose a "national security threat" and criticized the police and prison service for losing control over airspace above high-security facilities, including HMP Long Lartin and HMP Manchester. Timpson expressed shock at revelations that gangs impose debts on vulnerable inmates, further complicating the environment within prisons.

Amidst these concerns, a counter-corruption unit has been established to tackle the infiltration of organised crime among prison staff, with a record 165 staff members dismissed for misconduct in the year to June 2024. Former prison governors have warned that without decisive action, UK prisons could mirror the lawlessness seen in some Latin American facilities, where gangs hold control amidst rampant drug use and violence.

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