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<p>We are taking decisive steps to tackle the use of drones as a supply route for
organised criminals to bring contraband, including drugs, into prisons.</p><p> </p><p>Prisons
use netting and window grilles to stop drones from delivering contraband successfully.
To deter criminals, HM Prison and Probation Service is also working closely with the
police to arrest suspected drone operators and secure convictions. Thanks to such
joint working, and following the largest investigation of its kind, an organised criminal
gang of 15 were collectively sentenced in October 2018 to nearly 40 years in prison
for using drones to deliver drugs into Merseyside prisons. The ringleader received
a sentence of 10 years, the highest single sentence for drone-related activity to
date.</p><p> </p><p>Where contraband gets into prisons using a drone, our counter-measures
assist us to retrieve them and frustrate further criminal activity. In respect of
drugs, our Drugs Taskforce is working with law enforcement to restrict supply. It
has also developed a national Prison Drug Strategy which was published in April to
reduce demand for drugs and build recovery, as well as restrict supply. We have also
invested £70 million to improve safety, security and decency in prisons, allowing
us to fund new X-ray body scanners, improved searching techniques, phone-blocking
technology and a financial crime unit to target organised crime group members operating
in prisons.</p>
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