A London-based gang that ran a slick drone delivery service smuggling contraband into prisons has been locked up.
Gang Ran Prison Drone ‘Uber Eats’
Shafaghatullah Mohseni, 29, masterminded the drone drops targeting inmates across London and the southeast between December 2024 and February 2025. Prosecutors described the operation as a “well-oiled conspiracy” delivering drugs, flick knives, tiny mobile phones, and weapons “to order” — just like Uber Eats or Deliveroo.
Mohseni’s gang reportedly accounted for a staggering 75% of all drone deliveries into London prisons during that time.
Lookouts, Drivers and Secret Sales
Seven men, including Hashim Al Hussaini, 28, and Mohammed Hamoud, 22, supported the scheme. They acted as lookouts and drivers, ferrying drones and contraband close to prisons – often under cover of darkness.
The Metropolitan Police revealed the gang hit at least nine jails, including Wormwood Scrubs, Brixton, Pentonville, and Wandsworth.
Guards Powerless Against Drone Drops
Judge James Lofthouse condemned the gang during sentencing, noting short-staffed prison guards struggled to stop drone drop-offs since goods vanished before searches could be carried out.
“Inmates had items delivered ‘as if by Uber Eats or Deliveroo’,” said the judge. “Those who conspire to flood prisons with drugs and phones undermine prison safety and order.”
Sentences Handed Down
- Mohseni, dubbed the “grand delivery driver”, was sentenced to five years and three months behind bars.
- Al Hussaini, Hamoud and Zahar Essaghi each received 33-month sentences.
- Faiz Salah got 31 months, Mustafa Ibrahim 30 months, and Emanuel Fisniku 27 months.
The gang was caught red-handed after police stopped a car heading to HMP Norwich with a drone, knives, phones, and drugs. Relatives of inmates were found to have wired tens of thousands of pounds to Mohseni as payment.
This case highlights how drone smuggling has evolved, posing a major challenge for UK prisons amid staff shortages and evolving criminal methods.
