Two men have been arrested after a drone was spotted flying over HMP Long Lartin, sparking a swift police response and the recovery of suspected class-A drugs and prescription medication.
West Mercia Police were alerted to the drone activity shortly before 11.30pm on Monday, April 14, after the unmanned aerial vehicle was seen circling the restricted airspace above the high-security prison near Evesham.
Quick Response Leads to Arrests
Responding officers intercepted a suspect vehicle just before midnight, where they seized a drone found in the rear seats and conducted a search of the car. Inside, they discovered a quantity of suspected class A drugs and prescription pills, believed to be intended for illegal delivery into the prison.
The occupants of the vehicle — a 22-year-old man and a 41-year-old man — were arrested at the scene.
Both have been detained on suspicion of:
- Conveying prohibited items into a prison
- Being concerned in the supply of class A drugs
A full investigation is now underway, and the men remain in custody while enquiries continue.
Police Statement
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said:
“We were alerted to a drone that was circling the airspace over the prison shortly before 11.30pm. Officers swiftly responded and intercepted a suspect vehicle just before midnight. A drone was recovered from the rear seats of the car, and the occupants were subsequently arrested. Suspected class A drugs and prescription medication were discovered during a further search.”
Crackdown on Prison Drone Drops
HMP Long Lartin is one of the UK’s most secure prisons, housing some of the country’s most dangerous inmates. In recent years, drones have increasingly been used to smuggle contraband, including drugs, weapons, and mobile phones, into prison grounds.
This incident is the latest in a series of crackdowns on organised efforts to breach prison security using drones.
West Mercia Police are urging anyone with information about illegal drone activity around prisons to report it immediately by calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
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