Suspects arrested following failed drugs drop off by drone

A drug-filled package dropped inside prison grounds by a drone was intercepted by police who then arrested two suspects.

Several policing teams worked together to stop the illegal delivery before it could reach its intended target inside the walls of HMP Lowdham.

A bag filled with cannabis and mobile phones was seized from prison grounds shortly after a drone was seen flying overhead at around 4.05pm on Tuesday (5 September).

Within the space of a few minutes, officers identified a vehicle suspected of being linked to the drop off, as well as a place where the drone could’ve potentially taken off from.

Officers from Nottinghamshire Police’s response and operational support teams, as well as the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), all then worked together to zero-in on the suspect vehicle’s location.

A van matching its description was spotted in the Daybrook area shortly afterwards, with officers detaining two people inside the vehicle when it pulled into a car park in Mansfield Road.

Police then carried out a search of the van, which led to a drone, quantities of cannabis and mobile phones wrapped in cling film being discovered and seized.

Two men, aged 22 and 26, were both subsequently arrested on suspicion of bringing a ‘List A’ prohibited article into a prison, bringing a ‘List B’ prohibited article into a prison, and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

Detective Constable Gemma Patterson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“This was a great example of multiple policing teams working together to get a positive result.

“Officers from our response and operational support teams, as well as colleagues from EMSOU and staff inside HMP Lowdham, all had roles to play in stopping a package containing prohibited items from reaching its intended target and helping us apprehend two suspects.

“Taking illicit substances, including drugs, inside a prison is an extremely serious offence that can cause a whole host of risks for both inmates and prison staff alike.

“This is clearly not acceptable, and anyone found to be involved in doing this should expect to find themselves in trouble.

“Our inquiries are still ongoing into this particular incident, so we’d ask anyone that has any information that could assist our investigation gets in touch with the police by calling 101, quoting incident 423 of 5 September 2023, or reports it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”