Drone Drug Delivery Duo Landed Behind Bars
A husband and wife team from Camden have been jailed for running a high-tech drug smuggling racket using drones to sneak contraband into prisons across the UK.
Sajad Hashimi, 27, and Zerka Maranay, 28, masterminded more than 100 drone raids on jails between August 2022 and October 2023. Their main target was HMP Onley near Daventry, Northamptonshire, but their scheme spread to other prisons including Highpoint, Brixton, Edinburgh, and Maidstone.
Police Crack Down After Drone Spree
Northamptonshire Police spotted a rise in drone activity over prisons early last year. Their probe uncovered Hashimi piloting drones packed with drugs, mobile phones, SIM cards, chargers, steroids, tobacco, and heroin. He used fishing lines and hooks to lower packages to inmates at designated drop points.
Meanwhile, Maranay helped the operation by securing around 20 cars for Hashimi to zip between 11 prison sites. She also laundered nearly £50,000 in drug money through her bank account.
Final Sting at HMP Maidstone
Kent Police swooped after reports of a drone buzzing over HMP Maidstone. They found a car stuffed with drug parcels near the prison and a drone hidden under a van. Hashimi was arrested on the spot.
In court, Hashimi pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs into prisons and bringing prohibited items inside.
Maranay admitted to money laundering and conspiracy involving banned articles.
Sentenced: Six Years and Counting
Hashimi was handed a hefty sentence of six years and one month in prison. Maranay received a more modest term of one year and three months.
This case highlights the growing threat of tech-savvy criminals using drones to smuggle contraband behind bars. Authorities are ramping up efforts to stay ahead of these aerial smugglers.
